Final good bye to Wayne Smith

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Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on May 13 with Barbara, his loving wife of 53 years, at his side.

Wayne was born to Elisabeth and Leroy Smith on Dec. 29, 1938. He grew up in Granby’s golden age and was a proud lifelong citizen of the town. He graduated from Simsbury High School, and went on to earn BS and MS degrees at Hilliard College (University of Hartford) in education, as well as a sixth year from Westfield State. In addition to his academic degrees, Wayne gained his radio license from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, and he enjoyed working as a polka disc jockey on weekends. He taught math with great success and humor for 34 years at Henry James Memorial Middle School in Simsbury; he also served as a team leader there for many years. After his retirement from teaching, Wayne returned to his beloved hobby of part-time broadcasting under the name “Wayne Gordon, the Granby kid.”

Wayne and Barbara married in 1966, and together they raised three sons: Timothy, Stephen (Laura), and Kevin (Carrie). They have five beautiful grandchildren: Andrew, William, Nicholas, Thomas, and most recently, baby Grace. Wayne is survived by his sister Linda; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Brad and Linda Lawrence, and his nephews Michael and Daniel, and niece Johannah, and their beautiful families.

Donations in Wayne’s honor may be made to the Granby Ambulance Association. The family also thanks Trinity Home/Hospice Care for their kindness, compassion, and service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hayes-Huling and Carmon Funeral Home in Granby. Because of COVID-19, funeral services will be private, but the family welcomes online condolences at carmonfuneral.com