Wayne Lee "Papa" Mallory Sr.

Wayne Lee "Papa" Mallory Sr., of Richmond, VA, born October 6, 1951 in Ashland, VA, spread his wings to embark on a new journey into peace on October 16, 2019. At 2:55am the Angels called him home. At the tender age of 68 he joins his beloved mother, father, and brother, along with many others long gone yet not forgotten. Leaving behind a loving wife & partner of 20 years, Anna Marie Mallory; 5 grown children; 8 grandchildren; a sister; one brother; and a loving mother to his 2nd son, Denise Mallory Krajnock. He is survived by his children, Wayne Mallory Jr. (Tiffani), Christopher Mallory (Erin), James Fisher (Olivia), Stephanie Bates, and Joshua Fisher (Amanda); grandchildren, Lucia, Alexander, Avery, Sophia, Piper, Samara, Devin, and Nikoli; siblings, Clyde Mallory (Judy) and Marilyn Trivett (Steve); sister-in-law, Carol Mallory; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; four men who were like brothers from other mothers, Mark Brooks, Christopher Brooks, Keith Lyman, and Eddie Rice; and one little buddy who adored him, Elijah Wilson. A memorial service will take place Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 1:00pm at Nelsen Funeral Home, 412 S. Washington Hwy. Ashland, VA 23005. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Wayne Lee worked as a plumber by trade. He wasn't afraid of hard work, sharing his sense of humor all the time at work, making many friends along the way! More than a few people were rescued by Wayne from their plumbing disasters! He came when you needed him but never left a bill. When he wasn't plumbing water, he loved being on the water. Fishing was a passion of his and any time on the boat was special. He was a die-hard Redskins fan, good years and tough ones. Wayne loved Nascar racing, and sports of any kind. He was a very loving and caring man, to know him was to love him. In her own words, Anna shares the blessing of caring for her beloved husband; We began a whole new journey making many plans for our golden years together until the day we received the news that his body had been invaded by cancer. We began our journey down this dark path on July 1, 2019 and spent many days & nights on our porch crying together, having some really tough conversations of things to come. Things we'd witnessed when other family members fought this same battle. We knew the ride we were embarking on, it was as if we were on a rollercoaster we never bought a ticket for, yet here we go. We held fast to each other both in desperate need. Then we realized we had to place our little hands in the big hand of our Lord and Savior to guide us in peace and love. After one chemo treatment caused heart problems, we landed in the emergency room where this beautiful man cried and said to me "please don't let me die in here" my own heart shattered, I had promised to care for him here at home when this time came yet it was approaching much faster than we realized, how could I keep this promise to him in this condition? We came home the next day and at 4:30am he awoke to say he could not breathe, at this time Jesus truly took the wheel as he guided us through this, only one set of footprints in the sand as he carried us through. Wayne then refused anymore treatments so the doctor set us up on Hospice Care on August 22, 2019 so I could keep him home. Thankfully, the Lord blessed me to lovingly care for him within our earthly home with the help of some wonderful earthly angels as we awaited the day Jesus called his name and took him unto his heavenly home. Many friends and family helped to lift our hearts and spirits as the days wound down. Hearts filled with love, joy, happiness, and peace beyond measure. As we walked this dark journey we still found laughter and we shared many special moments together alone and with those who entered bringing in more love and blessings as we crossed bridges in search of the light. Our own hearts opened to each other and became intertwined in ways that shall not be parted even by death. Sleep now my love, for upon the winds of heaven's love, you now escape the sorrow and the pain of this world and one day we will stroll across heaven together. Fly, fly precious one your endless journey has begun, your heart is pure, your soul is free. Rest in peace my love until the day we meet again for this is not goodbye, I will meet you when my work here is done. I will always love you! I would like to thank all the angels from James River Hospice, especially Sara with whom we shared a special bond.