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Sturtevant Funeral Home - Bennetts Creek Chapel

2690 Bridge Road

Suffolk, Virginia

Wayne Sawyer Obituary

SUFFOLK - Wayne K. Sawyer, 59, peacefully passed away on May 30th, 2015 in Suffolk, VA. Wayne was born to the late Clarence M. Sawyer and Shirley G. Sawyer Mebane. He is preceded in death by his brother Clarence Sawyer, Jr. Wayne is survived by his step-father, Robert A. Mebane, Sr. and spouse Jessie; previous spouse, Sharron D. Sawyer; children, Matthew W. Sawyer and fiancé Melanie Kam and her son Elijah; Kathryn M. Sawyer Simmons and spouse Brandon and their son Reese; his brothers, Kenneth Sawyer, Kenneth Mebane, and Robert Mebane, Jr., and their families. He was also survived by close friend Penny Wolford. Wayne has been part of Bennett's Creek Nursery since its inception in 1974 under the mentorship of Arthur J. Lancaster Jr. and he became President and CEO in 1994. His nursery employees were like his family and they will continue to carry on his vision for the company. Wayne lived a life of community service that included being involved in many organizations. Wayne's service began at the Bennett's Creek Rescue Squad as a teenager and has continued on to Towne Bank, AAA, and the Richard Bennett Trust currently. The family will welcome visitors on Friday, June 5th from 6-8 PM at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennetts Creek Chapel, 2690 Bridge Road, Suffolk, VA 23435. Wayne's memorial service will be on Saturday, June 6th at 2 PM in Believers Church 4500 Peek Trail, Chesapeake, VA 23321. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Virginia Tech Foundation and designate to the Hahn Garden in memory of Wayne Sawyer; Gift Accounting, University Development (0336), 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061 or the TowneBank Foundation; 6001 Harbor View Blvd., Suffolk, VA 23435. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Jun. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Sawyer

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Joan Pagan

August 18, 2015

I will never forget how kind you were to me.RIP

Bernie Kirsch

June 8, 2015

Wayne was always helpful when I called on him. It is hard to believe that I cannot count on him anymore.

My thoughts are with the family and friends who are grieving his loss.

Ronald Williams

June 8, 2015

Dear Sawyer Family,
On behalf of the City of Suffolk Treasurer's Office, I want to extend to you our sincerest sympathy on the loss of Wayne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Sincerely,
Ronald H. Williams, City Treasurer and Office Staff

Pastor & Mrs. Marvin Tobin

Marvin Tobin

June 7, 2015

Have fond memories of working with Wayne, and occasionaly beginning the day's work having prayer with Wayne in the van. Pastor Marvin Tobin, Iglesia Bautista Buenas Nuevas.

Terry SUMPTION

June 6, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.I remember the years I worked with him though my High Schools years. He was a great guy to work with and a wonderful person to look up to.

June 6, 2015

Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of
Wayne Sawyer's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerry and Diane shulman

Sherl Eberwine

June 6, 2015

David and I were so shocked to learn of Wayne's passing. His leadership, integrity, focus and gentle manner defined the business and personal interactions I was lucky to have shared with him as a neighbouring business owner.
Our condolences and prayers go out to Matt and all of Wayne's family and dearest friends.

June 6, 2015

Wayne was a faithful friend and fellow board member of AAA of Tidewater, Virginia.. Above all he was a bright and very hard worker in whatever he undertook.
My deep and heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Lin and Gwen Perkins

June 6, 2015

I am saddened by the loss of a former classmate of JYHS. Wayne and I shared a senior English class together and I have fond memories of those days, he was quite a character. My thoughts and prayers go out to
his family and friends during this difficult time.

Carol Dildine Alcott,Hampton, VA

June 5, 2015

WAYNE WILL SURELY BE MISSED,BY ALL OF THE EMPLOYEES AT THE NUSERY. GOD SPEED AND YOUR SPIRIT WILL REMAIN WITH US ALWAYS. THE A TEAM AT SUFFOLK LDC.

Wanda (Nursery Supplies) Hepler

June 5, 2015

My heart is so very heavy and saddened by the passing of an incredible man of many smiles. Wayne, you had filled my heart with so many memories that I will always cherish. When I left Nursery Supplies and moved to Oregon, he would call and send me inspirational cards that touched my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with Mattew & Katie and all of the family.

Judge Richard and Mrs. Dawn Bray

June 5, 2015

We extend deepest sympathy for your loss.

Nancy Barlow Alwood

June 5, 2015

I join the many people who will miss you. You made me smile. You were special, one of a kind.

Robin Williams

June 5, 2015

It has shocked and saddened us all at Nansemond Lawn & Garden. This loss has reverberated throughout the community. Wayne was such a wise, gentle, and humble giant. Having worked with him over the years I've been able to experience his kindness, knowledge, and inspiration. Our sincerest sympathies for his loving family.

Antoinette Glover

June 5, 2015

So saddened to hear of the passing of my former classmate. My thoughts and prayers go out to Wayne's family. My sister and I talked with him and his fiancée at the JYHS reunion in the Fall of 2013. His mother was such a good friend to our mom when she was ill and to us when she passed in June 2011. Now the three of them are in heaven. RIP Wayne -- what an impact you made while you were here.

Darlene Flemer

June 4, 2015

I was totally shocked and saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. It's tough to understand why some are taken from us much too soon. Won't forget all the fun times we all shared with Wayne and Sharron at the SNA conventions. Wayne our "Southern Gentleman" and "Dan Quayle look alike" friend. Wishing the family strength and peace during this difficult time.

Angie Narron

June 4, 2015

I still can't believe your gone. God took you to soon, but he needed someone like you to take care of his garden. I will never forget the time I asked you what the K stood for in your name and your reply was cutie spelled with a K. Rest In Peace my friend. You will never be forgotten. Prayers to your family and BCN workers.

Don & Kay Goldberg

June 4, 2015

Our hearts are heavy with the news of Wayne's passing. I knew him as a wonderful parent and mentor to Katie and Matt and big supporter of NSA, and Don knew and respected him as an invaluable member of the Towne Bank family. Wayne will truly be missed, and our hearts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Billy Chorey

June 4, 2015

I have been out of town for the past week and the news of Wayne's passing has had me reeling and I continue to be in a state of disbelief. Wayne and I served together as Trustees at NSA in the mid-late 90's, our two children were close to the same age and we had a mutual respect for one another as owners of local private businesses in Suffolk. He was a true gentleman and one for whom I had the utmost respect and admiration. My deep prayers are with the family and please know my heart aches along with you.

Romero Robbins

June 4, 2015

The landscape company I worked for always chose Bennett's Creek Nursery for our shrubs, plants and flowers.

Wonderful people! Mr Sawyer I remember was ALWAYS in a great mood and made my day sometimes.

I am so very sadden by his passing. I pray for comfort for his family and friends

Marla Latimer

June 4, 2015

Wayne was one of the first people i knew in the nursery business here, always cheerful and kind.He never forgot a face.God bless his family in this time of need. RIP Wayne,you will be missed by many.!!

As in life and plants, we will continue grow,thank you Wayne!

Bill Tomko

June 4, 2015

Wayne was an Inspiration to all of us in the horticulture industry and a good man.
He will be deeply missed, a great nurseryman and a wonderful mentor!
All of the lives and plant will continue to live on and grow because of Wayne!

Jennifer & Bob Smith

June 4, 2015

We are so saddened by the loss of Wayne personally and the loss to our communities. Our prayers and sympathy are with his family.

June 4, 2015

I had just recently met Wayne a few weeks ago. He was fun, friendly, and a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends Patrick Beatty

David Buchanan

June 4, 2015

It's with a heavy heart I say goodbye Wayne, only for a while, but find Great Peace in knowing we will see each other again.

Sharon, Mat and Katie, you guys are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sorry for your pain and praying for unity, strength and Peace in your hearts.

David Buchanan

Susan MacLeod

June 4, 2015

I am saddened by the loss of this good man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the Portsmouth/Suffolk communities.

Jodi Visage

June 4, 2015

God bless you and your family. You will be missed by so many.

June 3, 2015

Wendy and I are saddened by your loss. Our community lost a great person & fine man. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Wendy Hosick, Suffolk.

Cinnamon Edwards

June 3, 2015

From Poppy's Top Dog in Suffolk, our prayers are with you.

Gladys Espinosa

June 3, 2015

It was a privileged to meet and work with such a kind, gentle and easy-going man. He had a special light about him. Please take comfort in knowing he is home now and will live forever in our hearts.

George Wolford & Family

June 3, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Marie Jones

June 3, 2015

My prayers and love go to the family. Have know Wayne along time . He was a fine, kind person. He will truly be missed. We went to Church together at Portsmouth First Penecostal Holiness Church. Eanye you will be greatly missed.

John & Eleanor Smith

June 3, 2015

Matt, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

T Griffin

June 3, 2015

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.

Ellen Papetti

June 3, 2015

Sorry to learn of Wayne's death. He was Much too young. Remember happy times with the VNLA

Gordon Gentry

June 3, 2015

Dear Family of Wayne,
My heart goes out to you over the loss of a very special man, Wayne Sawyer. He was truly a gifted individual who loved life and who contributed much to to it through his warm friendships and extensive community service. I had the privilege of serving with him on the TowneBank board and admired him greatly. You, his dear family and Penny, are in my thoughts and prayers.

John Mason

June 3, 2015

Wayne was a very special man! Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sawyer and Bennett's Creek family during this time.

Bridgett Keene

June 3, 2015

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I met Wayne about 35 years ago at the nursery when I had my plant business. He was always so helpful and knew his stuff. I am so shocked I really don't know what to say except I am sorry for his family and for his family at the nursery. I know he will be greatly missed. RIP.

Lauren Reeves

June 3, 2015

I have known Wayne for half of my life. During that time, he showed me what it meant to be a wonderful father-in-law, friend, and leader. I am deeply saddened by his sudden passing but Wayne would have wanted us all to move forward with our hopes and dreams and work hard to leave a legacy as great as his. He will forever be stamped in my memory as one of he most important and influential people in my life. My prayers and thoughts go out to Matt, Katie, Penny, and the rest of Wayne's family and colleagues. <3

Joanne Kostecky

June 3, 2015

My deepest sympathy goes out to you, Matt, and your family. I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. I have fond memories of him at many ANLA events and the MANTS Shows. He was a great guy and he will be missed by many people including me.

Jim Collins

June 3, 2015

We grew up together on Shawnee Road in Chesapeake. The Sawyer/Mebane family were good folks and he was a good man.

Sylvia Fagan

June 3, 2015

I have never met anyone who was more kind, gentle or friendly as Wayne. His presence would make a room light up with his smile. He will be greatly missed!! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and employees during this difficult time. God Bless You! The Fagan Family

Pat church

June 3, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I'm so sorry to read of Wayne's death.

John & Sandy Vann

June 3, 2015

We have known Wayne since we were teenagers. It was so shocking to here about his passing. I remember all the good times at church and seeing him threw the years. May God bless his family during this time.

Mary Johnson

June 3, 2015

Wayne was a truly amazing man and nurseryman. His passing has left a major void. Prayers to his family, employees and friends.

June 3, 2015

Wow
Lancaster Farms such a nice wholesale plant establishment.
An icon for years en route to Bennets Creek.
Godspeed from an old native.

Paula Atkins

Brittney Salmon Drames

June 3, 2015

My deepest condolences to Matt, Katie, and the rest of Mr. Sawyer's family. I will remember your Dad with nothing but the fondest of memories....what an amazing legacy he leaves behind! My thoughts are with you all at this most difficult time, and I pray you feel God's comfort and peace and are filled with the hope and assurance of seeing your Dad again one day. May your days in between be washed in sweet remembrances of his love for you both! (((HUGS)))

Scott Ranck

June 3, 2015

I've had the Sawyer Family in my thoughts and prayers consistently since I heard the news. May the Lord give you each exactly what you need during these days and the days to come.

D Robey

June 2, 2015

Our prayers are with your family. Please take comfort in knowing you will be together again in Heaven.

Oscie & Paul Sumner

June 2, 2015

Wayne was a long time friend of both Paul and I and we were shocked to hear the news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family during this most difficult time. He will certainly be missed in our community and our fond memories of him will always remain in our hearts.

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Memorial Events
for Wayne Sawyer

Jun

5

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sturtevant Funeral Home - Bennetts Creek Chapel

2690 Bridge Road , Suffolk, VA 23435

Jun

6

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Believers Church

Church 4500 Peek Trail, Chesapeake, VA

Funeral services provided by:

Sturtevant Funeral Home - Bennetts Creek Chapel

2690 Bridge Road , Suffolk, VA 23435

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