Wayne S. Smith, retired teacher
Wayne S. Smith, 80, of Bethany Beach, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Wayne was born in Trenton, N.J., and lived in Philadelphia and Allentown, Pa., before his family moved to Wilmington. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1955 and the University of Delaware in 1960, where he received two master's degrees. After completing his active duty ROTC obligation in 1960-61 he returned to Delaware and married the love of his life, Carlene List.
In 1962 he started a fulfilling 34-year teaching career that included four years at De La Warr High School, one year at Brandywine High School and 29 years at Concord High School, where he served a year as assistant principal. He was also the Social Studies Department chairman for 19 years. Wayne enjoyed working with juniors and seniors. He taught thousands and counseled scores who sought out Mr. Smith, knowing he would always listen and present options for the student to choose when addressing the challenge before them.
In 2000, Wayne and Carlene retired to their home in Bethany Beach where he spent many active years as a member of his community's condominium council. His main areas of interest included government and politics - including the management of local political campaigns, reading a wide variety of topics, and coaching and playing softball. He coached the Concord High School girls' softball team for 27 years, winning a state championship in 1978. His greatest satisfaction as a coach was developing player skills and molding teams from individuals. He played on a variety of teams, including church teams, the Delaware Senior Olympics as well as the Old Timers Softball League, until age 70, when he decided to follow his grandchildren's school, travel and college teams in baseball, softball and wrestling. He served for six years as a member of the Delaware Humanities Forum Council.
Wayne loved his family dearly. Gatherings for celebrations or just for the sake of gathering were always greatly enjoyed, as were the frequent parking lot touch football games he captained as steady quarterback.
He is survived by Carlene, his wife of 56 years - his buddy, his pal, his friend and the love of his life with whom he shared a wonderful and fulfilling life together. He is also survived by sons Wayne Alan and his wife Lisa Ann, and Mark Darryl and his wife Donna; and grandchildren Karlie, Mark Dylan, Ben, Sienna, Gabriella, Olivia, Brad and Jack.
A visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 38040 Muddy Neck Road, Ocean View. A celebration of his life will follow at 3 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be private for the family only.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Wayne's name may be sent to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963, or send flowers to someone you love.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
