Major Wayne L. Warner, (USAF Retired) passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023, with his daughter by his side at Silver Bluff Rehabilitation Center in Canton, NC at the age of 89.
Born on August 17, 1934, in Maytown, Pennsylvania, Wayne was the middle child of Edward L. Warner and Myrtle Hammaker Warner.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Aline Sadler Warner (2001) and second wife, Dorleen Schafer Warner (2021), son Gary D. Warner (2004), son-in-law Franklin C. McKenzie (2021) and brother, Robert E. Warner (2006)
Wayne is survived by his daughter: Theresa (Tess) McKenzie, 3 stepdaughters: Averi Avent (the late Marc), Regina Edwards (Kip) and Sasha Braxton, sister Beatrice Quayle, grandson: Jacob C. McKenzie and great-grandson: Evan J. McKenzie. 6 step-grandchildren: Elaina, Lillian, Leah, Jase, Keira and Colton and many nieces and nephews.
He proudly served the United States Air Force for 20 years and was a decorated veteran. He enlisted in December 1953 and in January 1954 after a battery of tests, he entered the USAF aviation cadet program. In 1955, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and received his navigation wings. In 1958, he went into pilot training and received his pilot wings in 1959. Notably, he was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, 311th Troop Carrier Squadron, from 1964-1965.
After he retired from the Air Force, his first employment was as plant manager of the Servtex Corporation in Sanford, NC. He attended night classes at Central Carolina Technical Institute, where he attained an Associate’s Degree in Industrial Management.
He resided in Southern Pines, NC for 50 years until the passing of Dorleen S. Warner, when he moved to his daughter’s home in Cruso, NC.
Wayne was a former elder and member of Christ Fellowship Church in Southern Pines, NC. He participated in the Walk to Emmaus, where he met Dorleen and they continued to volunteer their time. His Christian faith was of the utmost importance to him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11am at Christ Fellowship Church in Southern Pines, NC and conducted by the Reverend Thyne. A private graveside service with military honors will follow at Culdee Presbyterian Church cemetery.
Memorial donations in Wayne’s name may be made to Christ Fellowship Church or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.
The family wishes to express gratitude to friends, family, and the staff at Silver Bluff Rehabilitation Center for their support.
Services are entrusted to Smoky Mountain Cremation & Funeral Services in Clyde, NC and Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines, NC.
Online condolences may be made at www.smokymountaincremations.com or www.bolesfuneralhome.com
