Wayne Richard Whisler Sr

Wayne Richard Whisler Sr, 62, of Tampa, Florida, passed away on January 21, 2026 surrounded by family after having a stroke. Wayne was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on August 19, 1963 and moved to Virginia. His family and friends were blessed by his generosity, jokes and thoughtfulness especially to kids.

He graduated from high school in 1981. He worked in both the automotive and construction fields. He was a general contractor doing many commercial projects including hospitals, schools, hotels and prisons. He was proud of the 9-11 Tampa memorial he built that has steel recovered from the World Trade Center.

Wayne had many significant events in his life that he survived including a venomous snake bite, motorcycle accident, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Even though he had physical pain, he pursued many activities including scuba diving, fishing, riding four wheelers and cooking.

His passion was being a pirate and had the nickname “Captain Gigolo”. He was a member of the local pirate group based in Florida and participated in many pirate parades including riding on floats and passing out trinkets.

Wayne is survived by his son, Wayne Whisler, Jr (Ashley) of Virginia and step son, Kyle Peel (Kelsey) of Colorado, granddaughter, Trinity Whisler, grandson, Austin Skelly, mother, Esther Stacy, father, Richard Whisler, sister Kathy Muckey (Ted), sister, Linda Lacy (Jim), brother, Doug Whisler (Beth) and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, step mother, Janie Whisler, and several aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date to be announced.