Wayne David Wilson

Wayne David Wilson died on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by loving family and friends. He is remembered for his dry, mischievous sense of humor, his steady kindness, and the quiet ways he lifted people up throughout his life.
Wayne was a man of determination. When he set his mind to something, he pursued it wholeheartedly. He was the first among us to take up karate-beginning as a hobby and ultimately earning a black belt. He brought that same focus to parachuting, completing more than 3,000 jumps over the years. He was honored multiple times by the U.S. Parachute Association. Wayne didn't leap for the thrill alone; he often landed in birthday parades and sporting events, turning every landing into a celebration of life itself.
Wayne graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in social work, where he was also a master's candidate. In his early years, he found adventure as a professional truck driver, transporting horses and goods across the country. He was certified by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and honored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
He was a devoted father, mentor, and friend who carried compassion into every role he held-as a paramedic, social worker, teacher, and volunteer for Big Brothers. An avid UK Basketball fan, Wayne never missed a game.
Wayne is survived by his loving sons, Jacob Russell and Danny Prater (Tiffany Lewis); his beloved foster sons, Adonis Shakur Thomas, Charles Thomas Keller, and Angel Milla, whom he welcomed into his life and loved as his own; his brothers, Warren J. Wilson and Paul Robert Wilson (Becky Wilson); nieces, Kelly Wilson (Brent McGee) and Melissa Wilson; and nephew, Landon Wilson. He also leaves behind cherished friends, Eric Durbin, Carol White Durbin, Miriam Moosnick, and Bernie Lovely; numerous close cousins; and many others whose lives were brightened by his wit, loyalty, and generosity. He is preceded in death by his mother, Constance Annette (Popeo) Wilson; father, Paul David Wilson; and brother, Dwight Vincent Wilson.
Wayne's life was a tapestry of relationships-family by blood and family by choice. He measured success not in titles or accolades, but in the people, he helped, the young lives he steadied, and the laughter he shared. His legacy is love in action.
A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at a later date. The family welcomes donations to the Big Brother Organization, reflecting Wayne's lifelong commitment to caring for others.
Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.