Wayne Reed Hebbard

Wayne Reed Hebbard, 93, passed away on his own terms on July 25, 2025 -- peacefully, extremely well loved, and at home in Fulton, New York. Born on January 15, 1932, in Binghamton, NY, to Alta Daniels Hebbard and Lynn O. Hebbard, Wayne lived a long and meaningful life marked by service, devotion and commitment to family, and making meaningful contributions to his communities in Binghamton, Whitney Point, King Ferry, Fulton (all in NY) and Tucson (in AZ). A proud veteran of the United States Air Force (April 1952 thru March 1956), his years in the military both reflected and shaped his enduring sense of duty and patriotism.

Wayne was preceded in death by his first wife of more than 38 years, Barbara Mitchell, of King Ferry, NY, as well as his siblings Merton, Florence (Taylor), Miles, Elbert, Earl, and Lawrence. He is survived by his children, Cynthia Hebbard (Lansing), Claire Hebbard (King Ferry), Andrew (Lynn) Hebbard (Spencer), Grayson Hebbard (Corning), and Mitchell (Stephanie) Hebbard (Horseheads); his wife of more than 25 years, Mildred Doss of Fulton, and her children, Sam (Laurie) Doss and Cara (Joe) Allen, of Fulton; fourteen grandchildren -- Nathan (Tiffany) Robson , Jessica (Kirk) Swidowski, Nicholas (Kacie) Robson , Rebecca Dottolo, Solomon (Karin) Robson, Joseph (Kaylee) Allen, Eric (Nikki) Doss, Sarah Hebbard, Seth (Kayla) Allen, Shannon (Martin) Dwyer, Makayla Hebbard, Barbara Hebbard, Elizabeth Hebbard, and Raven Crandall-Hebbard; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After military service Wayne briefly joined his mother working with Sherwin-Williams, near Binghamton. With that experience he was offered an opportunity with Glidden paints, where he was a top salesman for many years. He and his family were living in Whitney Point, NY, where he grew his iconic goatee (which his sons have adopted) as part of a local historical celebration. In 1972 he moved the family to King Ferry to take on co-ownership of Barb's family's business, Mitchell Farms (Agway), which included a feed mill, a farm and home store, a 2,000-hen egg production business, and 200 acres of crops. He also helped to maintain the family homestead of a few horses, beef cows, and dairy cows. After the feed mill ceased operating, Wayne took the opportunity to have at least one of his kids join him in the farm truck on trips to get feed from the Binghamton mill, and while there they spend some time visiting their grandparents. During his time in King Ferry he became a member of the King Ferry Volunteer Fire Department, served on the Southern Cayuga school board, was foundational in organizing and cooking for the monthly pancake breakfast in the King Ferry Presbyterian Church (which continues to this day), built MG kit-cars, and built a house on Cayuga Lake. A couple of years after Barb died (1997) Mitchell Farms Agway closed and Wayne entered solo retirement with his routine enthusiasm and energy that had made him a successful businessman. Although he had joined his sister in retirement in Tucson, he continued to spend time in NY. With the luck and determination of an Irishman, he found, fell in love with, and married Millie, who was at a similar crossroads in her life. Soon the couple were spending summers in Fulton and the colder months in Tucson. Mutually blessed and inspired in their marriage, they cruised across oceans and RV'ed across mountains -- visiting all 50 states and about half of the National Parks. In summertime Wayne was frequently found out in his shop, on the mower, or entertaining with friends and family. He faithfully participated in the annual festival at Holy Trinity Church in Fulton, where he particularly loved working the chicken BBQ. In Tucson he also worked with the Roadrunners – a volunteer group in their park/residential community – and loved traveling.

May the memory of Wayne R. Hebbard bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder -- as well as a future template -- of a life well lived. At his request, his family will hold a celebration of his life and legacy on August 24, 2025, from 1:00 - 3:30 PM, at Treleaven Wines, 658 Lake Road, King Ferry, NY. Friends and family are invited to celebrate this remarkable life, and to share memories of past decades. Light refreshments will be provided, but for anyone with an inclination for heartier fare, meals and beverages will be available for purchase onsite from our hosts. If you have stories to share but are unable to attend, please let the family know so alternative options for participation can be considered. In lieu of flowers please consider volunteering in your local community or making a donation to Hospice of Central New York.