Wayne Robert Smith

Wayne Robert Smith, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at his residence in Rustburg, Virginia. Born on June 11, 1944, in Gladys, Virginia, Wayne lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a remarkable passion for learning.

Wayne was a dedicated technician in the communications field, where his sharp intellect and ability to solve problems were unmatched. He graduated high school and pursued further studies for an additional year at a technical college, preparing him for a fulfilling career that he embraced with enthusiasm and purpose.

With a very dry-wit sense of humor, Wayne had a special gift for bringing joy to those around him. His warmth, kindness, and intelligence left a lasting impact on everyone he met. Always eager to learn new things, Wayne kept his mind active and engaged throughout his life.

Though Wayne worked in the communications field, his talents extended into the arts as well; he found great joy in playing the guitar and dabbled in wire work and various other jobs. A lover of old country music, he often filled his space with the sounds of his favorite melodies, creating an atmosphere of comfort and nostalgia.

Wayne's legacy lives on through his beloved family. He was the loving husband of Carolyn Almond Smith for 56 beautiful years. He is survived by his daughter, Kim Barney and her husband Stewart, and his son, Rob Smith and his wife Tiffany. Wayne took immense pride in his granddaughters, Haley Schaener and her husband Jaysn, and Ashlyn Smith, as well as his great-grandchildren, Riley Whetton, Ronja Schaener, and Dagr Schaener. His sisters, Kathleen Jennings and Gaynelle Martin, and brothers, Walter "Sammy" Smith and his wife Phyllis, and Glenn Smith and his wife Carole, will continue to honor his memory. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who cherished him dearly.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Rex Booker Smith and Minnie Morris Smith, as well as his brothers, Melvin "Pete" Smith and Elwood "Buckshot" Smith, and his sister, Margaret Cash. Their memories will forever be intertwined with the legacy Wayne leaves behind.

A funeral service to celebrate Wayne's life will be held on January 27, 2025, at 1 P.M. at Calvary Church of Winfall in Gladys, Virginia with Reverend Mike Miller officiating.

Wayne Robert Smith wasn't just a man who lived; he was a beacon of kindness, warmth, and intelligence. It is suggested that, in lieu of flowers and in honor of Wayne's spirit, those who knew him carry forward his legacy of kindness, embodying the compassion he so readily offered to everyone he met. His memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of those he loved and touched throughout his remarkable life.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.