Wayne Godwin, fondly known as “RERUN/BIG MAN,” passed away peacefully at Henrico Doctors’
Hospital, on Tuesday evening on February 15, 2022. He was a native of the Eastern Shore of Virginia
(Accomack County). He was the youngest of six children born to the union of Doris Savage Godwin and
the late Robert L. Godwin, Sr.
Wayne attended T. C. Walker Elementary School and was a 1977 graduate of Onancock High School
in Accomack County. After graduation, he moved to Virginia Beach and was employed by McDonald’s,
Inc. He worked hard at McDonald’s and his strong work ethic was noticed by his employer. Thus,
Wayne was encouraged to attend Hamburger University training facility in Chicago, Illinois. This was
the incentive needed to advance on his job. Therefore, he took advantage of this opportunity for highpotential restaurant managers to learn how to run a food franchise and to teach its employees the
business of restaurant management. He earned his certificate in Hamburgerology.
At an early age, Wayne accepted Jesus Christ into his life and was baptized at Macedonia AME Church
(Accomack County) under the leadership of the late Rev. Carl Brown. He attended Sunday School and
Vacation Bible School and he served as a youth usher. While in Virginia Beach, he joined New Saint
John AME Church where he was an active member of the choir.
Wayne loved his God, church, family, friends, crossword/seek and find puzzles, watching NCI and
football as well as cooking and enjoying a good meal. He never started a meal without a blessing for
God’s gifts. Too, Wayne loved to sing and he enjoyed old school music. In fact, he was recognized on the
Eastern Shore as a great dancer.
There are so many unsolicited comments that describe Wayne’s walk in life. Those who knew him
but in most instances did not know each other would attest that he was a gentleman, man of grace,
integrity and principle. His infectious smile and sense of humor were signature characteristics of which
he possessed. He had a BIG heart and he was considered a man with a kindness about him that was
understated but unusual. As a child and through his adult life, he kept that same warm smile and
gentle spirit. His family was his joy and his heart was full with so much love for each of them. Too, he
loved giving orders.
As his health struggles began, his livelihood was affected by his challenges. Despite what he was facing,
Wayne remained faithful to his beliefs. As his health continued to decline, he moved to Mechanicsville
where he lived with his sister Justine and brother-in-love, Marvin Jones, Sr. This plight brought him
back to the church full force. He was so thankful to God that he was allowed to stand and speak of His
goodness one more time. He became a faithful and dedicated member of Third Street Bethel AME
Church where he joined under the Rev. Godfrey Patterson. As a member, he served on the Greeters’
Ministry, Sons of Allen, Male Choir, Male Usher Board and an associate member of the Delia C. Jackson
Women’s Missionary Society.
As his illness progressed, he became a resident of the Laurels of University Park on Pemberton Road.
He loved attending Sunday services and participating in daily calendar events, especially BINGO.
Everyone knew Wayne at the Laurels because of his happy go lucky spirit. His cheerful demeanor
endeared him to many.
Even though we were not prepared to wrestle this world without him in it, he left us with each other,
stamped with his likeness and filled with his goodness. He leaves to cherish his beloved memory his
devoted and caring mother Doris Savage Hack of Henrico, VA; three daughters, Yulanda Lynn Wharton,
of Accomac, VA, Tiera Cuffee, and Teliajh Godwin, both of Virginia Beach, VA; two grandsons, Hakeem and Orion Wharton of Accomac, VA; one loving brother, USMC/US Army (Ret.) Robert L. (Dr. Shevelle A.) Godwin, Jr. of Fayetteville, NC; three doting sisters, Justine (Marvin, Sr.) Jones of Mechanicsville, VA,
Doris (Leroy, Jr.) Allgood of Glen Allen, VA, and Iris (Vincent) Cooper of Henrico, VA; one extended sister,
Patricia Daniels of Richmond, VA; five aunts, Betty Glasglow (Carl) of Brooklyn, NY, Linda (Eugene)
Matthews of Pocomoke, MD, Pamela (Calvin) Warner, Serene Washington, Shirleen (Charles) Addison,
all of Melfa, VA; two uncles, Sylvester (Katina) Savage of Fredericksburg, VA and Herbert (Bertha) Trader of Mappsville, VA; faithful friend, Frankester Campbell and extended daughter, Danielle Campbell, both of Chester, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
“Precious in the eyes of our God is the death of His faithful one”
Matthew 24:23
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few
things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.