Wayne Russell Burl

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend, and fixer-of-all-things, Wayne R. Burl passed away after a short but fierce battle with cancer, surrounded by the family who adored him – just as he deserved.

Wayne was a man of extraordinary talent, tireless grit, and quiet generosity. Born into humble beginnings, he built a life defined by hard work, purpose, and love. He joined Deringer in an entry-level position, and, through relentless dedication, drive, and vision, rose to become its CEO and Chairman of the Board. Over the course of 60 years – the longest tenure in the company's history – he became a legend to those at Deringer who were fortunate enough to know him personally. He wasn't just a leader by title – he was a leader by nature. He could see around corners, navigate any storm, and somehow always knew what needed to be done before anyone else realized there was even a problem.

Wayne could figure out how to do anything. Literally anything. Plumbing? Sure. Electrical? Why not! Install a stair railing, finish drywall, repair an irrigation system. No problem! All in a day's work. He was allergic to paying someone to do something he could teach himself and was a huge fan of YouTube video tutorials. His DIY spirit was never more evident than when he single-handedly renovated his first home in Rockport, MA – inside and out- with nothing but sheer will, library books, This Old House episodes on PBS, and whatever tools he had in the back of the garage or could rent at the local hardware store.

He was, by nature, excellent – and he expected excellence from everyone around him. His bar was high, and at times that could feel intense for those of us trying to measure up. But as he grew older, he softened – deepening into a gentler, more forgiving version of himself. He still held the standard, but he also held your hand while helping you get there.

Wayne was the guy you called when something broke, when you didn't know what to do next, or when you just needed someone to listen. He was unwaveringly dependable, deeply thoughtful, and, though he would never have described himself this way, wise in the most grounded, practical way. Quiet, steady, calm, and wise. That was our Papa.

He loved fishing, woodworking, and the peace and focus of making something with his hands. Oen of his proudest projects was building custom cabinets for his workshop – by hand – because of course he did. We cherish the intricately dove-tailed boxes he made for us that he lovingly and proudly stamped with his "Wayne Burl Woodworking" seal.

Wayne was the favorite person of many, and certainly of ours. He gave everything to his family, and in the last week of his life, we gave everything back. We never left his side, because he never once left ours – not in the big moments, not in the hard ones, and not in the quiet, everyday in-betweens.

We will miss him every single day, but we find peace in knowing that somewhere out there, the fishing is good and the workshop is perfectly set up – with every tool in its place- for him to keep building whatever his heart desires.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosaleen Burl; his daughters, Stefanie Burl Blouin, Erica Hengemuhle and her husband John, and Barbara Lynn Jarvis and her husband Jim; his grandchildren, Olivia Blouin and her fiancé Mason Yandow, Ryder Blouin and his partner Gianna Smith, and Jacob and Caleb Holmes. Wayne is also survived by his siblings Lorraine Ryall, Joyce Warren, Maynard Burl, and Judy Burl.

In true fashion, Wayne asked that his workshop equipment be donated to a school so young people could learn the craft of woodworking and furniture making. We are honored to pass on his legacy by partnering with the North Carolina School of Furniture. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the school for the Wayne R. Burl Woodworking Scholarhsip. These funds will support young people to learn the trade and craft he so loved. Donations in Wayne's name may be sent to: The North Carolina Furniture School attn. Stuart Kent, Director at 3749 W. Wilson St. Farmville, NC 27828.

Rest easy Pops. We carry you in our hearts, always.