Wayne Reed Ulrey

Wayne R. "the Deacon" Ulrey, age 92 founder of Flyers Pizza and Subs, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 24, 2016. Wayne was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, son of William Melvin and Christina Ethel Ulrey. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife Esther Louise and siblings; Mary Braun, Leroy Ulrey, William Ulrey, Ruth Peck, Eileen Clifton, and Harley Ulrey. Wayne graduated from Central HS in 1941. In Dec of '41, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he and many of his boy-hood friends enlisted in the armed services. Wayne proudly served his country with the US Army during WWII in Europe. He was a soldier in Patton's 3rd Army, 97th division 389th Field Artillery where he earned the rank of Corporal. Following his service to our country, Wayne began working on the Norfolk and Western railroad. Then he was employed at Westinghouse for 23 years. In 1976, Wayne fulfilled his dream of owning his own business when purchased a small pizzeria in West Jefferson named Tonni's. In the 90's, Tonni's later would become what is known today as Flyers' Pizzas and Subs. Wayne was a hard-working man who worked seven days a week taking great pride in operating "his" business correctly. He was also a 50+ year resident of the westside Georgian Heights community. He was both a member of the America Legion, Post 0201 and VFW Post 7005 in West Jefferson. Wayne was also a 50-year member of the Linden Lodge # 637 F & AM and Aladdin Shine. He will be greatly missed by his family; Stephen (Ellen) and their children; Matt, Mike (Traci) and grandchild Kendall; Mark (Josephine) and children Lauren and Jared; David and his children; Jordyn (Tyler) - (grandchild Tucker), Adeline, Danielle, Victoria, and Lauren; Scott (Linda) and children; Augist (grandchild Jarrison), Austin, Alex, and Aven. Also missing him is his special niece Penny Lambeth and special caregiver Debbie Hunt and many other extended family members and friends. Visitation hours will be Monday, June 27 from 5-8 at the Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Rd, where Masonic Service will be held 7:30 pm Monday. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 28th also, at the NW Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or to The Kobacker House, c/o OhioHealth Foundation, PO Box 600001, Columbus, Ohio, 43272-9802. To share memories or condolences, please visit

www.schoedinger.com.