Wayne Freed

On July 4th, 2022,W. Wayne Freed passed away peacefully at age 86 in Sarasota, Florida. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Wayne spent his childhood in Old Hickory, stories of which he often recounted fondly. After a family move to South Carolina during his Junior year, he graduated high school in Aiken. Despite the difficulties in mastering a manual slide-ruler, Wayne earned his degree in Textile Engineering from Clemson University in 1959. Wayne loved his career in textiles, many years of which were spent in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area. Once he decided engineering was not his passion, he focused on sales and product development. His talent for creating new uses for textile products resulted in five United States Patents. More important to him, however, were the lifelong friendships he developed with both colleagues and customers. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years, Alice. The happiness they enjoyed in each other's company was complete and remained bright throughout their years together. Wayne is also survived by his sister Fran Weeks (Harry Odell 'Spooky'), children Jon (Donna), David (Heidi), Jamie, and Fielding (Lana); and his grandchildren Meghan, Kristen, Ashlee, Fielding Thackston, and great grandchildren Mason and Cameron. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Frances and Walter, and his son Thackston. A celebration of Wayne's life will take place in Aiken, South Carolina in October.