Obituaries

Wayne Wadley

Photo of Wayne Wadley
TSgt. Wayne Sheldon Wadley, retired, of Bentonville, was born September 2, 1941, in East Cleveland, Ohio to Lloyd and Audrey Wadley and passed peacefully on December 9, 2017. He joined the United States Air Force in 1960 serving bravely and honorably for 20 years until his retirement in 1980. He achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant as an Aerospace Photographic Systems Specialist and Avionic Sensor Systems Technician. He worked under top secret security clearance on one of the first pilotless drone programs that performed recognizance during the Cuban Missile Crisis and also trained astronauts on lunar mission camera equipment. During one of his four tours in Vietnam, he was injured in a missile attack and though never awarded a Purple Heart, his service was recognized by multiple awards, medals and accolades from his commanding officers. Upon retiring from the USAF, Wayne continued to employ his electronics expertise and craftsmanship in many fields and enjoyed working with his hands. He was passionate about the unborn child's right to life and fought continuously to have Roe v. Wade repealed. Wayne never met a stranger and was known for helping anyone in need. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids and traveling across the US in his RV with his wife. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Stella Wadley; daughter, Shelley Vance (L.D.) of Little Rock; sons, Glynn Wadley (Becky) of Bryant, Timothy Wadley (Michelle) of Little Rock and Scott Wadley (Lisa) of Alexander; stepson, Harry Christman (Aimee) of Winslow; sisters, Carol Marshaus of Seminole, Florida and Ruth Burleson of Pennsylvania; and 10 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, John Wadley. Services will be held on Friday, December 15 at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 12 noon, at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Interment with Military Honors will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home (501) 224-2200. Wayne's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

Published December 13, 2017

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