likely heard as he entered the gates of heaven Wednesday afternoon. He passed away
peacefully in his Monroe, North Carolina home, on April 28, 2021, surrounded by his loving
family. We are sure that he not only shook the hand of Jesus, but probably lovingly slapped
him on the back as a sign of love and friendship. He is Home, after fighting the good fight
against pancreatic cancer, diagnosed last December.
Wayne was born in Rural Hall, North Carolina on January 26, 1942 to J.W. and
Prudence Flippin, inheriting his Dad’s fine dance moves and work ethic, and his mom’s spirit
and strong-will. His movie star good looks were aptly named after two of his mother’s favorite
movie stars of the day, Richard Arlen, and John Wayne. Wayne spent his youth in Winston
Salem, North Carolina, and was a graduate of Gray High School in 1960, where he earned the
superlative of “Biggest Flirt”, in his senior year. Needless to say, he lived up to that title
throughout his life. He snared the love of his life, Belinda, by purposely planting a dropped
notebook at her feet, covered with accolades like “Belinda is beautiful”, “I love Belinda”, and
“WF + BC”. That smooth move sealed the deal, and they dated all through high school and
then college, where Belinda earned her PHT (Putting Hubby Through). He graduated from East
Carolina University in 1964, with a BA in geography, making the Dean’s List several times, but
only after Belinda married him and “straightened him out”.
They married in 1962, much to Wayne’s good fortune. To say it was a match made in
Heaven would be an understatement. They were devoted to each other throughout their 58
years as husband and wife, despite the ups and downs of life. Theirs was a marriage that was
a model of love, patience, honor, and support. Their union produced two children, four
grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and six “bonus” great-grandchildren. Wayne and
Belinda would have celebrated their 59th wedding Anniversary in June. It’s a shame we
missed an opportunity to celebrate and party, because Wayne loved a good get together!
Wayne was an amazing husband, father, Paw-Paw, advice giver, investment guru,
organizer, golfer, retirement expert, charity giver and grill-master. He loved the Lord and
cherished his family. Nothing made him happier than visiting with his family, especially if he
could grill them a steak or watch a movie together. Wayne was a family man extraordinaire.
One of his traits we will miss the most was the delight and twinkle in his eyes as a loved one
walked into his home. You could rest assured that you were welcome and loved, and that he
was glad to see you. He was also a Mason and a Shriner, which further explains his devoted,
faithful, charitable and brotherly-loving heart and fun-loving personality.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Belinda, of Monroe, his daughter Cheryl Luther (Joe)
Cantrell of Monroe, his son Daryl Wayne Flippin of Southern Pines and his sisters, JoAnne
Hopkins of Kernersville, NC, and Jean (Jim) Overbay of Mt. Airy,
North Carolina, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be at McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe, 204 S. Main St., Monroe,
28112 on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 5-7PM. The funeral will be held at Hopewell Baptist
Church, Legacy Campus, 420 Hopewell Church Rd., Monroe, 28110 at 2 PM on Tuesday, May
4, 2021. A private family burial will take place at Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Rd.,
Mint Hill, NC 28227. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests making donations to one of Wayne’s
favorite (and Wayne’s research approved!) charities in his honor; The Salvation Army, Wounded
Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Shriner’s Hospitals.
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