Herbert Wayne (Papa) Foster, Sr., 91, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018, after a brief illness. He was born December 31, 1926 in Pontotoc, Mississippi.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Mellie Foster, brothers James (Alma) and Edd (Kathleen), and sisters Yvonne Ditto (Jack), and Ann Reeder (Harold).

Wayne worked for The Frisco Railway (Burlington Northern Railroad) for 37 years before retiring.  He was an active member of Arlington United Methodist Church, the Super Seniors Ministry, the Traffic Club of Jacksonville and the Sertoma Breakfast Club.  Until recently, he also spent many hours on the sidelines of school and sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 72 years and love of his life, Mary Brown Foster.  He is also survived by two sons: H. Wayne Foster, Jr. (Dale) and  Gary G. Foster, Sr. (Denise), as well as "like-a-son" David Simpkins (Melanie). He is also survived by many family members in Mississippi and North Carolina who regard him as their "Beloved Uncle Wayne."

He had six grandchildren: Sheridan Amerling (Bryan), Brandon Foster (Cami), Cameron Foster (Brooke), Ivy Dix (Chris) and Gary Glen Foster, Jr.(Ashley) and nine great-grandchildren: Rebekah and Ethan Amerling, Marley and Brody Foster, Riley and Cooper Dix, Knox and Essie Foster and Gary Foster, III (Tripp).

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, April 17, 11 am at Arlington United Methodist Church, 1400 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32211 , with Pastor Arlinda Burks officiating.

Memorial gifts may be given to Arlington United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384 , www.arlingtonparkfuneralhome.com