Wayne Leroy Walters Jr

Wayne Leroy Walters, Jr., age 68, of North East, Pennsylvania passed away on June 28, 2024 at St. Vincent’s Hospital. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. Wayne was born December 15, 1955 in Westfield, New York to the late Wayne Leroy and Juanita June (Marlow) Walters. Wayne graduated from Ripley Central School in 1974, and married his high school sweetheart, Cynthia Carol Gordon on October 6, 1974. He resided in Western New York and Pennsylvania for most of his life. 

Wayne excelled at various trades and always held a high standard of work ethic. Spending several years in the gas and oil industry, he was well-respected and worked his way up from a rig operator to well tender, to supervisor with different companies including Templeton Energy, Belden & Blake Corp., Exco North Coast Energy, and EnerVest Operating. Wayne happily retired in 2020. Wayne was also a former member of the South Ripley Fire Department.

Wayne loved the outdoors and he was an avid sportsman. No matter the season or weather, you could always find Wayne, hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, or walking the beach at sunset. He loved sharing his catch, telling tales, and spending time with family and friends. Wayne was famous for his fish fries, he was the grill master of the family, and the perfect “pampake” maker. He loved cooking for everyone and he would never let you leave hungry! 

When he wasn’t outdoors or cooking, Wayne could be found in his Man Cave, listening to classic rock or old country music, or watching old westerns or football. Wayne especially loved watching the Buffalo Bills win. He was always hunting for treasures at auctions, flea markets, and yard sales. He liked to collect vintage toys, banks, bottles, tools, and fishing gear. Wayne also enjoyed gardening alongside his wife, Cindy.

Wayne was always willing to lend a hand and he could fix just about anything. He loved to supervise any job that needed to be done, and was always willing to share his expertise with others. He made sure his family and friends were taken care of, and learned how to take care of themselves too. 

Wayne had a great sense of humor and you could see the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He was a prankster, and he really got a kick out of a good joke. His close friends remember him as “a good friend who was always there to have a good laugh about life”. His grandchildren say he was a fun grandpa and he loved to play little tricks on people and make everyone laugh. 

Wayne was the life of the party. His presence would light up the room and make everyone feel welcome and loved. Wayne was the one who could always be counted on for a good laugh, a wise word, or a helping hand. Wayne was loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Wayne was preceded in death by an infant son, his sister Cindy Lee Belson, his father and mother, by his sister-in-law, Shannon Walters, and his canine companion, Boomer. Wayne is survived by his wife, Cindy, of 49 years and four sons, David (Alicia), Adam, Aaron (April), and Justin (Rachael). His grandchildren, David Jr., Courtney, Meghan, Caine, Dillon, Logan, Porter, Preston, Bryanna, and Isaac, and three great-grandchildren, Madilyn, Kaiden, and Jupitor. He is also survived by his sisters Sandy Gross, Shirley Stoddard (Edward Michael Porter), and Katherine (Michael) Fletcher and his brothers, Kenneth (Barbara) Walters and Daniel Walters. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who fondly referred to Wayne as their “favorite uncle”, and his canine companion, Suzie. 

As per Wayne’s wishes, there will be no visitation and no funeral services will be observed. Memorials can be made to SONS of Lake Erie Fishing Club: https://sonsoflakeerie.org. He will be laid to rest in Quincy Cemetery, Ripley, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

If Wayne was here, he would say, “It’ll be all right”, with a little giggle and a big smile.

Private arrangements have been entrusted to the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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