Back in the old days the 9th graders on Fort Worth's east side went to Handley Jr High School. I remember Wayne walking into Mrs. Stewart's English class and having to duck to get through the doorway... he was the tallest person I had ever seen and he was just in the 9th grade!

The basketball coach of the Handley Greyhounds, of course, just drooled when he saw Wayne. The problem was, Wayne had apparently grown so fast that his ability to control those long legs and arms had left him somewhat uncoordinated. Even so, the coach put him on the team. His primary services on the court in those days were for tip offs. The rest of the time he was used as a very effective psychological weapon… just the sight of him on the bench towering over the other players awed everyone in the gym.

Off the court, Wayne was the proverbial gentile giant. He had an easy smile and was always nice to everyone... even the awkward redheaded nerd in that English class with him. We were never great friends, but I've always remembered his awesome physical stature, kind heart, and sense of humor.

Just know that there are a lot of folks out there who had the pleasure of knowing Wayne over the years and that even those of us for whom that time was brief still remember him the way we usually saw him… with a smile shinning down from the top of the doorway.  I’ll keep telling the little bit of his story that I know, but I’ll be a little sadder when I do. 

My condolences to all his family and friends; he was a special person to all who met him.

Doug Brister