Wayne Radford was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Andrew and Hattie Radford on May 29, 1956. He was the fifth of six children born to Hattie. He received his primary education in the Indianapolis Public School system, graduating from Arlington High School in 1974. Immediately following high school, Wayne attended Indiana University, receiving a Business degree from the Kelley School of Business in 1978.
Wayne accepted Christ at a young age, and attended Light of the World Christian Church. He later went on to become a faithful member of Eastern Star Church.
Wayne was very competitive, and had a profound love for sports, as was evidenced in his own athleticism. He had an outstanding basketball career which began at Arlington High School, where he led the team to City and Sectional Championships, and its only Regional Championship, scoring a total 1,307 points during his high school career. He went on to play basketball at Indiana University where he was a member of the undefeated National Championship Men’s Basketball team in 1976. He earned Academic All-American and Academic All-Big Ten honors during his career with the Hoosiers, and was named Team MVP in 1978. Wayne was selected in the second round of the 1978 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers, and played for one season until suffering a career ending injury. Wayne was honored by the State of Indiana’s basketball Hall of Fame as part of its 1999 Silver Anniversary Team, and was a member of the Hall of Fame’s induction class of 2009. He went on to serve the IU Varsity Club Board of Directors, was a member of the Indiana University Alumni
Association and has supported Indiana University Athletic Department for more than four decades. Following his basketball career, Wayne worked for Cook Incorporated for 38 years, most recently serving as Senior Clinical Manager for their Med/Surg Division.
Wayne met the love of his life Kathy Mitchell in 1992. They became best friends, and after realizing he could not live without her, the two became one and were joined in Holy Matrimony in March of 1997. Wayne was Kathy’s earthly rock. To that union, one son Wayne Mitchell Rad-ford was born. Lil’ Wayne idolized his father. Early in life Wayne shared the responsibility of raising his only daughter, Nikkiya. While being a young single parent to her, he was loving and very supportive as she matriculated into adulthood. Wayne was an anchor in his family’s life. When he was with his family, he enjoyed traveling and attending sporting events. When he wasn’t with his family, he was spending time with lifelong friends Mike Woodson, Chuck Snowden and others, golfing and playing Bid Whist or Dad.
Wayne was a loving husband, father, and friend. He always had a smile on his face and a personality that would light up an arena. All who knew and loved Wayne will truly miss the lively conversations and the wonderful, caring, dynamic spirit that he carried. Wayne was such a loving, giving and thoughtful person. He loved and laughed hard.
Wayne was ushered into Heaven from the comforts of his home late Sunday night, January 10, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Hattie Radford, and brother James (Sunny) Radford. Wayne is survived by his loving wife Kathy, daughter Nikkiya (Michael) Oliver, son Wayne Mitchell Radford, brothers David (Kim) Rad-ford, Roger (Rose) Minter, Lawrence Radford, sister Elaine Radford, grand-daughter Breanna Galloway, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving and dear friends.
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