Mr. J. Wayne Tye

COLUMBIA J. Wayne Tye, 86, died on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Wayne was born in Okra, Texas, the son of H.R and Rhoda Earp Tye. He graduated from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He was a lifelong Carolina Gamecock fan. Wayne served in the U.S. Navy and fought for his country in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Wayne retired from the Naval Reserves, where he attained the rank of Commander and served as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Surface Division 6-35 in Columbia. He retired as Chief of Staff for Naval Reserve Group 6-13. Prior to his retirement, Wayne managed Jackson Beauty Supply. Wayne was an avid volunteer, having worked at Providence Hospital for 17 years. He also delivered Meals on Wheels to deserving seniors in the community. He was a member and former deacon of Kathwood Baptist Church in Columbia. Wayne lived for a number of years at Lake Murray, prior to moving back to Columbia, where he enjoyed boating, skiing, and spending time with his family and pets. Wayne was predeceased by his parents and by his sister, Blanche Tye Cawley of Abilene, Texas. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Margaret Smithey Tye; his children, Michael Tye (Margie) of Columbia, Chris Tye (Jeanette) of Cornelius, North Carolina, Lisa Tye of Columbia and Marc Tye (Nancy) of Moncks Corner. Wayne is also survived by his grandsons, Brian, Barry, Daniel, Kevin, Andrew, and William Tye; his granddaughter, Robyn Tye Simons; and his great-granddaughter, Kennedy Tye. Wayne is survived by his beloved niece, Carolyn Agnew, of Abilene, Texas and his "adopted" daughter, Leigh Bolick, of Columbia. The family wishes to thank Helen Singleton and Melissa Bolds for the loving care and assistance they provided daily to Mr. and Mrs. Tye and Don Cobb for the support he has shown the family through the years. Funeral service for Wayne Tye will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2012, at Kathwood Baptist Church, 4900 Trenholm Road, Columbia. The family will receive visitors before the service at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow the service in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to the Heroes Vest Fund, PO Box 1851, Lexington, SC 29071, or to Kathwood Baptist Church.