Obituary: Dennis Rhett Wickham

Rhett Wickham wrote his first fitness column for the Observer last week, published in the July 3 issue. By the time it published, he had passed away from injuries sustained in a car accident. His obituary below is submitted by Patrick McGaha, friend and owner of Anytime Fitness in Winter Park, where Rhett had found his calling as a personal trainer.

Dennis Rhett Wickham, 55, of Winter Park, Fla., passed on to be with the Lord on June 30, 2014. He was born on May 19, 1959 to the late Scott and Mary Lee Wickham. Rhett graduated from Winter Park High School and his first acting performance was in the production of “Oliver!” at Rollins’ Annie Russell Theatre. He later graduated from the University of South Florida, going on to win the Outstanding Southeast Actor Award and performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He then moved to Los Angeles to work for DreamWorks as an associate producer, later transitioning into an entertainment consultant and an acting coach. In 2007, he moved back to Winter Park where he continued his work in the entertainment and animation industries as a freelance writer. In 2012, through a burgeoning passion for fitness, he found his calling as a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness, Winter Park. His passion for fitness and for people was felt by his clients and all who came in contact with him.

Rhett is survived by his sister Mary Scott Singer; brother-in-law Ivor Singer; niece Mary Allen Briceno; and nephew Nick Singer. He is also survived by his beloved best friend Peter Narus, and cherished partner John Maroussas.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in the memory of Rhett to the following organization to support its work with animals is greatly appreciated:

Pet Rescue by Judy

www.petrescuebyjudy.com

401 S. Laurel Ave., Sanford, FL 32771

407-302-4497