WILMINGTON – Jerry Wayne Floyd, 66, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Wayne was born on February 6, 1958 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Silvia Jean Floyd and the late Jerry Floyd. He attended Hoggard High School in Wilmington.
He leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Gayle Walker Floyd; his son, Nicholas Wayne Floyd, wife Blain; his grandchildren, Maddie “Moo” Floyd and Dylan Wayne Floyd; his mother, Silvia Jean Floyd; his brother, Ray Floyd; his brother, Charlie Floyd, wife Carla Hill; his sister, Cathy Lantz, husband Billy; his sister, Loretta Heimbach, husband Rick; his brother-in-law, Robert Walker, wife Donna; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family whom he loved dearly;
Wayne was a “professional beer man” by trade and prided himself on his strong work ethic and the relationships he built through the work. He spent 30 years at Coastal Beverage Company in Wilmington, focusing on building beer brands throughout southeastern North Carolina and beyond. He was known as one of the most successful, competitive and respected men in the industry.
For decades he was active in the slowpitch softball community, traveling the country, playing, coaching and managing teams, collecting memories and making lifelong friends along the way.
After his retirement, his Harley Davidson became his passion and his peace. He loved riding with groups and especially with his best buddy and brother-in-law Rick. He would spontaneously hop on his motorcycle and ride through several states before heading home. The mountains of North Carolina held a special place in his heart, he declared them his second home.
His charismatic energy was contagious. He always put others first and made everyone feel like family. He was a prankster and loved to tell jokes. He thrived on the joy of others and always wanted everyone to be fed. He was never seen without a Little Debbie snack and a story to tell.
From holidays to get-togethers to meals to games, he was the glue of the family and always made sure everything was coordinated in our large family. He never wanted to miss an event in anyone’s life, be it a graduation, a sporting event, a wedding, the birth of a new family member, or anything in between. He always found the time to be there for everyone, friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, Wayne’s family requests donations to Lower Cape Fear Lifecare or the Glioblastoma Foundation, which supports brain tumor research at the Duke Cancer Institute.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412. Viewing will be possible from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed immediately by a service.
