Wayne Gilbert Damron

He was born on November 30, 1937, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the late Mafalda Damario Barden. Wayne attended Westfield High School, where he played football and ran track, beginning a lifelong love of running.

Following graduation, Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army. He attended paratrooper school with the 82nd Airborne Division, completing over 100 jumps. He went on to attend Officer Candidate School, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant at just 19 years old and later achieving the rank of First Lieutenant before continuing his education at the University of South Carolina.

It was at the University of South Carolina that Wayne met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married for nearly 65 years and built a life together in Denver, Colorado; Jacksonville, Florida; and Atlanta, Georgia, before settling in Columbia, South Carolina, Together, they shared a deep love for the University of South Carolina, proudly continuing her parents’ support of the Gamecocks for over 50 years as dedicated members of the Gamecock Club.

Wayne enjoyed a successful career of more than 20 years in the insurance industry, beginning with Paul Revere, where he rose to the position of Regional Vice President. He later retired as a Managing Partner with New York Life.

A lifelong runner, Wayne completed 15 marathons and more than 300 road races, including over 20 Peachtree Road Races in Atlanta. Many of these miles were shared with his favorite running partners—his sons, Steve and Rick.

Wayne’s passion for coins grew into a remarkable second career. His deep knowledge of biblical coins made him a sought-after speaker, and he delivered hundreds of presentations to churches, civic organizations, and schools. He later owned and operated Clein’s Rare Coins in Augusta, Georgia, from 2000 to 2014, retiring once again after many fulfilling years.

Wayne was also known affectionately as the “Merry Christmas Man.” At a time when many had shifted to saying “Happy Holidays,” Wayne would reply “We say Merry Christmas.” At his son Steve’s suggestion, he began sharing this message through bumper stickers and car magnets, distributing more than 33,000 free of charge across several states.

Faith was central to Wayne’s life. He and Barbara were longtime members of Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Columbia before joining Aiken’s First Baptist Church. Wayne had a generous heart for missions and supported numerous organizations, including Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Wayne is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Burgess Damron; his sons, Steve Damron (Teresa) and Rick Damron (Carolin); his grandchildren, Phillip Damron (Aly), Patricia Graham (Brian), Emily Damron, and Austin Damron; and his great-grandchildren, Holden, Poppy, and Bodie Graham, and Atticus Damron. He also leaves behind his brother Edward Paulson, and sister Louise Johnson.

Visitation will be held at 12:00 PM on April 10, 2026 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM.

Burial will follow the service at Woodridge Memorial Park, 138 Corley Mill Road, Lexington, South Carolina 29072, on April 10, 2026.