Wayne Felmet was born in Matoy, Oklahoma, on June 14th, 1930, the oldest child of Horace Henry Felmet and Leila Harkey. He grew up in the small southern Oklahoma town of Bokchito, not far from the Texas border, graduating in 1950 from Bokchito High School, where he lettered in basketball. He then attended and graduated from Drone School of Business in Dallas, Texas. As a young man, one of his favorite pastimes was riding his horse, which naturally led to his other great love, riding his 1950 Indian motorcycle.

Wayne joined the U.S. Air Force in July of 1951, becoming an administrative specialist. During his 20-plus-year career in the Air Force, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. His decorations included the Bronze Star, the Air Force Commendation Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Returning from overseas in 1970 to Patrick AFB, Florida, Wayne met the love of his life, Rachelle, while both were picking up vehicles from the Port of New Orleans. Instantly attracted to the redheaded mother of three, he offered to follow her to Jacksonville to make sure she arrived home safely. It wasn't long before the two began dating and fell in love, marrying on November 6th, 1970. They then moved their new family to Minot AFB, North Dakota. There, they both found the most significant relationship of their lives, accepting Jesus Christ as Savior at a crusade in Minot. Wayne retired from the Air Force in January of 1972 at the rank of Master Sergeant.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, the family moved back to Jacksonville. Wayne then worked for 22 years as a billing department supervisor at Baptist Medical Center, retiring in 1995. After working other part-time jobs, he finally decided in 2005 to enjoy a well-earned retirement. In his spare time, Wayne enjoyed grilling on the barbecue, taking care of the yard, and other activities, but family was always most important to him.

Wayne and Rachelle attended several churches over the years before returning to Rachelle's childhood church, Woodland Acres Community Church in Arlington. Wayne served faithfully at Woodland Acres for many years, becoming a deacon on the board of the church. He was a devoted steward, always lending a hand wherever help was needed. His quiet, gentle, loving nature had an impact on many over the years.

Wayne passed away on December 13th, 2021, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Rachelle; two stepchildren, Marsha Kilborn and Steven Longino; three adopted children, Michael, Mitchell, and Simone Felmet; a sister, Cleta Walker, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two grandchildren, Jeremy Kilborn and Jonathan Longino.