LOUISBURG - Colonel (Ret.) Dr. Christopher Fitzgerald Wrenn, Sr., died on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. From humble beginnings as a graduate of Bunn High School Class of 1980, Chris went on to be a highly decorated soldier in the United States Air Force whose accolades included a Defense Meritorious Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal, among many others. Throughout his career, Chris exceled in combat and participated in classified missions in Central America, as well as extended deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Western Sahara, Africa. During the later part of his career, he dedicated his efforts to protecting the United States from nuclear and cyber wars. Chris' final military appointment was Deputy Director of the Asia-Pacific Cell at the Pentagon. Throughout his career, Chris continued to value education and earned advanced degrees including a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, Master of Science from Air University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations from Tufts University. Chris' distinguished military career ended with his medical retirement from the United States Air Force in December 2014.

Chris was much more than a soldier. He was a prolific traveler who enjoyed midnight ice cream at Disney World and cruises to the Caribbean. He was a generous host who planned elaborate, themed Christmas dinners and small family barbeques with equal fervor. Chris was a seasoned Scrabble player who showed no mercy to friends and family. He enjoyed the outdoors and preparing extravagant global cuisine accompanied by his cockamamie sense of humor. His "Breakfast of Champions" is legendary among his grandchildren who will sorely miss all-chocolate buffets with their Pa Wrenn.

Chris is survived by his wife, Andi Madden Wrenn, his mother, Sandra Wheless Wrenn, and father, Gerald C. Wrenn. Also survived are his children: Melissa Wrenn Pendleton, Robert Dale Pendleton (spouse), Christopher Fitzgerald Wrenn, Jr., Erin Biggio Wrenn (spouse), James C. Wrenn, Margaret Rachael Wrenn (spouse); Austin Calhoun; Arika Shelest, Andrey Shelest (spouse), grandchildren, Montana, Lucas, and Henry. Additionally, he is survived by his siblings, Mark Wrenn, Robin Wrenn (spouse), Cassie Wright, Amie Wrenn, Susan Callahan, Brett Callahan (spouse) and eight nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his son, Alexander Jackson Wrenn, and his grandparents, Cleveland and Pattie Wrenn and Bob and Laurie Wheless.

Late in his career and through his brief retirement, Chris shared his experience with PTSD and the trauma associated with a life of dedicated service and sacrifice in the military. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Chris Wrenn's name to Train a Dog Save a Warrior www.tadsaw.org, or the American Red Cross www.redcross.org

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, September 6, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Strickland Funeral Home in Louisburg, NC at 103 West Franklin St. www.stricklandfuneralhome.net

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