Wendall Wayne Pilcher

Wendall ‘Wayne’ Pilcher, 91, passed away on April 28, 2023, at home surrounded by family as was his wish.  Born June 16, 1931, in Sumter County, GA to Hilda Lamar Pilcher and Sallie Lee Lansford, Wayne was the oldest child of four children. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War and then he married, July 8, 1956, Helen ‘Clarice’ Giles, the love of his life who he was devoted to for 66 years. He worked for Lance, Inc. 20 years becoming a regional manager while also starting a real estate brokerage company, PRI.  He enjoyed cattle farming, Tennessee walking horses and flying. Wayne had multi-engine, instructor, and commercial ratings and enjoyed opportunities to fly a wide variety of aircraft including stints of transporting UGA coaching staff and flights (personal and business) for other organizations.  Farming and flying were hobbies of love but his family and service to the Lord was his true passion. He loved family immensely and was so very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grand child.  He started his family in Albany GA but moved to Athens GA in 1966 to Beechwood subdivision.  He was a member of Beech Haven Baptist Church until 1972 when he bought a farm in Winterville.  He joined the Winterville First Baptist church serving God in many roles, including as a deacon, instilling the love of Jesus in those near him and consistently providing for family and others.   He was a Mason, Scottish Rite and Shriner for many years, particularly interested in the well-being of children with disabilities.  Wayne Pilcher loved coastal Georgia and spent many days admiring the beauty and serenity of Sapelo Island. His long life was well spent in the service of his Lord and Savior, family and friends.

Wayne was predeceased by his oldest son, Kenneth Wayne Pilcher who died tragically at age 27 in 1986.  His faith and perseverance during adversity was an inspiration to others and testament in trusting the goodness of God’s plan.  He is survived by his loving wife Helen Clarice and their son Stephen Lamar Pilcher and his wife Bridget Anne, grandchildren Matthew Lamar and wife Brianna (great-granddaughter Raegan Ann), Lindsay Anne and husband Aaron Hinman, and Nathanael Lee, active-duty regular Army. Wayne was predeceased by his sister, Sarah Helen (Sister) Willis.  He is survived by his brother, Bobby (Buddy) Lamar Pilcher, and his sister Virginia Elaine (Laine) Goggans, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A receiving of friends and family will be held at Lord and Stephens East Chapel Sunday April 30, 2023 at 2PM followed by a memorial service at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital.

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22;6

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com