Wayne Pollard

Wayne was born in Hampton, Virginia, on October 10, 1956, to Edward and Rosabelle Pollard. He grew up in Yorktown with his five siblings on Carraway Terrace, where he formed many lifelong friendships and countless stories that his family and friends will retell for years to come.

Wayne attended Tabb High School, but on his own timeline. After dropping out twice, he went on to earn his GED in 1996, an achievement he was incredibly proud of. His journey wasn’t always traditional, but it was undeniably his.

Wayne began working in the press room at the Daily Press in 1975 during (and sometimes instead of) high school. He loved the work and the people, and over the years rose through the ranks. Wayne took great pride in keeping the presses running, often getting called in at all hours to fix a breakdown. If something went wrong, everyone knew: call Wayne. He could fix anything. He retired in 2012 after 38 dedicated years.

In 1978, Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Melinda Ballew, and together they built a life full of love and lots of laughter. In 1984, they welcomed their first child, Megan, and in 1987, while expecting their second child, Troy, Wayne helped build their family home - an accomplishment that perfectly captured his work ethic, skill, and love for his family.

Wayne was a wonderful husband, father, and “Poppy.” He was the kind of person who made sure everyone around him was fed, cared for, and happy. He never met a stranger, made friends wherever he went, and left people better than he found them. His go-to advice for his kids and grandkids was simple but sincere: “Always be nice.” And Wayne lived that every day, whether it meant lending a tool, cooking a meal, or helping someone out just because he could. Ever the prankster, Wayne was always cracking jokes, showing off his dance moves, or jumping out in a mask to scare you. He loved to make you laugh.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 47 years, Melinda; his daughter, Megan (Jeff); his son, Troy (Jackie); and his five grandchildren: Carleigh, Jude, Lennon, Rooney, and Taylor, who were the joy of their Poppy’s life. Wayne couldn’t talk about his grandchildren without proudly stating, “I love my babies.” Also feeling the loss is his granddog, Tucker, Wayne’s loyal shadow and co-pilot for just about everything. He had another granddog, Murphy, but she knows he preferred Tucker. He is also survived by his four sisters, Libby Green, Joyce Ballew, Kay Rook, and Amy Metivier, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends who were like family.

The world needs more Waynes. He had a way of turning strangers into friends and ordinary moments into memories, usually with a well-timed joke and a warm smile, or by putting a plate of food in front of you. Wayne made the best North Carolina BBQ, excellent breakfast sandwiches, and vegetable soup, just to name a few.

In a world that feels more divided by the day, Wayne reminded us that being decent still matters. He made people feel seen, valued, and loved without making it about himself. His presence lit up rooms, and his absence leaves a space no one else can fill. Wayne didn’t seek attention; he simply showed up with kindness, humor, and heart…every single time.

But his spirit lives on - in every joke retold, every laugh shared, and every small act of kindness done in his honor. Because Wayne wasn’t just a great man; he was the kind of man the world desperately needs more of.

We welcome all who knew Wayne to join us for a celebration of his life on Saturday, July 12, at 2:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home in Hampton. A visitation will follow from 3:00–4:00 PM.

If desired, donations can be made to Cure JM in his name, to fund research efforts for Juvenile Dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease his granddaughter Rooney is battling. https://www.curejm.org/