Wayne Eugene Heatwole

Born in Harrisonburg October 1, 1948, he is the son of J. Christine Cline Heatwole Miley of Harrisonburg and the late Wilson Heatwole.

After graduating from Turner Ashby, he earned a BS in education from JMU where he served as the founding president of the local chapter of TKE fraternity. He was awarded a Masters Degree in Business Education in 1973 from JMU, followed by doctoral studies at VCU.

Wayne began his lifelong career at Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center in 1970 as an academic instructor. Over the years, he served as Rehabilitation Counselor, Program Director, Agency Management Analyst Supervisor and Business Manager as well as writing grants and developing programs. He was promoted to General Administration Manager in 2003 and has been recognized as one of the most noted leaders in the history of vocational rehabilitation in Virginia.

In the community Wayne served as an active volunteer and a leader of several nonprofit agencies. As a founding member of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic, he helped lead the effort to establish the agency in the permanent quarters it has today. He went on to be Vice President and President of this agency. Later he was appointed by city council as a member of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board, going on to serve as Vice Chair and Chairman of this public agency.

As an avid fisherman and canoeist, Wayne was a “charter member” of the Balcony Blasters, joining friends each year for the James River Balcony Falls whitewater canoe trips and other fishing expeditions led by his good friend, the late Forrest Fletcher of Staunton.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Wilson Heatwole and stepfather, Guy Miley. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carole Branner Heatwole, his children, Aaron Heatwole and wife, Tracey, Amy Rivera-Wenger and husband, Scott, Mandy Heatwole, Mary Fisher and husband, Emanuel; his brother, Gary Heatwole, his nephew Erik and four grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Lacey Spring Cemetery with Rev. Tim McAvoy officiating. A public memorial service will be held 7:00 PM, Thursday, at Truth, Light and Life Mission in Penn Laird with Rev. Kevin Campbell officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic, 25 W. Water St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801 or by visiting their website www.hrfreeclinic.org.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.