Wayne Thomas Kearney, Sr., affectionately known as Tom, was born on September 13, 1936, in Durham, North Carolina, to Lonnie and Theola Evans Kearney.
Tom passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at his residence in Quail Haven Retirement Community in Pinehurst.
Tom served 3 years in Battery D, 59th Artillery Regiment at Fort Story, VA. Afterwards, he received his degree in Textile Technology from North Carolina State University in 1970. He spent his career in plant management with a variety of organizations, and later joined CIIT, a chemical toxicity research institute in Research Triangle Park, where he worked until he retired.
Tom loved fishing at Nags Head, spending time at the beach, enjoying fresh seafood, and watching the boats come and go in Myrtle Beach. He also had a special passion for working on Mustangs and bringing wrecked vehicles back to life. While these hobbies brought him great enjoyment, nothing compared to the love he had for his family, especially his grandchildren.
His children describe him as the kindest and sweetest man they have ever known, admiring his patience, forgiving nature, unwavering loyalty, and remarkable intelligence. His love and steady presence were gifts his family will treasure always.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Carolyn Ruth Royster Kearney; his sister, Marilyn McKinney; his brothers, Ashton Kearney and Robert (Bob) Kearney; and his great-grandson, Thomas Murphrey.
He leaves behind his loving children, Julie (Jon) Bouché, Wayne (Jennifer) Kearney, Jr., and Wendy (Britt) Murphrey. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Valerie (Alex) Taylor, Elaine (Mark) Kowalewski, Graham (Megan) Murphrey, Emily Kearney, Walker (Erin) Murphrey, and Phillip Bouché; his brother, William (Bill) Kearney; and his great-grandchildren, Lennox Taylor, Griffin Taylor, and Evelyn Kowalewski. His family will forever hold close the many memories, lessons, and moments of love they shared with him.
A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Aberdeen First Baptist in Aberdeen, North Carolina, with Dr. Daryl Cornett officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. A private internment will be scheduled later at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen,
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Quail Haven Retirement Village Employee Christmas Fund in his honor (155 Blake Blvd. Pinehurst, NC 28374.)
Online condolences may be offered at pinesfunerals.com.
Powell Funeral Home is serving the Kearney family.
