Wayne Dale Reid

Wayne Dale Reid passed away on December 26, 2023 at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family. However one came to know Wayne, he was universally thought of as a dear friend, always greeting you with his dynamic personality and inviting warm smile, knowing that you could confide anything in him and receive only patience, wisdom and love.

He was kind and friendly, also demonstrating a gentle strength, standing firmly in his beliefs. During the 1970s, while active in an historically fraternal men’s organization, he proudly stood up in front of thousands of men in an auditorium and proclaimed that it is only right for women to be included as members and that diversity is the key to greater achievement. He proudly stood his ground as the angry group attempted to boo him off stage. Adversity only made him stronger, and the organization later changed their by-laws. During the late 1970s and 1980s, when it was the norm to spend 80+ hours a week in the office, he worked tirelessly to avoid working away from home late nights and weekends to spend quality time with his family. He prioritized being home for dinner in the evenings and worked late into the night after his family was asleep. He was actively engaged in all aspects of life with his children and grandchildren.

Wayne was a true Southern Gentleman, born near Hendersonville, North Carolina, and spoke with a, not quite subtle, Southern accent throughout his life. He met Rubye, at age 15, at the high school dance and instantly fell in love. They were married their freshman year in college and were inseparable ever since. Through their marriage spanning seven decades, they lived their life together exemplifying what it means to love without measure. Family was his greatest joy, first with his children, and later with his grandchildren, showing his heart could only continue to grow. His family included a long list of “rescues” that constantly filled their home.

Wayne lived a life generously in the service of others, feeling blessed in having the opportunity. His professional career excelled in accomplishments; partner at Frazier & Deeter, Deloitte & Touche and Arthur Andersen, where he served for over 32 years; He was an active member of Andersen’s Worldwide Technology Industry and Bioscience Steering Committees and Partnership Tax Practice Group. He was in charge of the technology practice and the Fast Tech 50 Program for Andersen’s Atlanta office. He also had firm wide responsibilities as a member of the Arthur Andersen Family Wealth Planning Practice and Specialty Team and the Arthur Andersen worldwide Advisory Council. He served over 20 years with Georgia Bio as its Treasurer as well as numerous charitable causes. Sharing Rubye’s love of animals, he was active with organizations such as Fix Georgia Pets and the Atlanta Humane Society.

He valued education, crediting his later success on opportunities created by his universities, and served on the Advisory Board of Georgia State University, where he founded an accountancy scholarship, the Parents Council at the University of South Carolina and as many roles with Furman University as he could find (or create). His lifelong love of and involvement with Furman included the President’s Advisory Council, National Development Committee, Career Mentor and Furman Admissions Network. He was honored to receive the Gordon L. Blackwell Alumni Service Award.

Wayne’s passion engaging people and mentoring is best shown in the guiding statement of the Wayne and Rubye Reid Award at Furman University: founded by the University, and awarded annually, in honor of the example set by Rubye and Wayne, recognizing alumni who have made significant contributions to the career development of Furman students. He actively mentored students and alumni throughout his career, including on campus recruiting for 47 years.

When Wayne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, his first reaction was “I’ve lived a better life than I could have ever dreamed; if today were my last, I would have lived a full and happy life”.

Wayne’s legacy continues to live on in his wife Rubye; his children, Beth and Chris Bruck and Emily and Wayne Reid; his grandchildren, Michael, Wayne III (Trey), Heather, Ross, Ella and Oliver; and the extended family of friends whose lives he enriched throughout his life.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any of the foundations below.

Service and additional details can be found at https://waynedalereid.wordpress.com/