Wayne Aiken Tenney

Wayne Aiken Tenney, age 74, died peacefully at home after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. Wayne was born in Atlanta but grew up in Houston and graduated from Lee High School in 1966. He attended Sewanee and the University of Texas, where he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. After receiving an MBA from SMU, Wayne began a 50-year career in banking, following in the footsteps of his mentor, Bob Lane and Bill Murphy. From First National Bank in Dallas, its multiple successors, then Fidelity Bank, and finally Veritex Bank, Wayne was the consummate banker- detailed, thorough, and always focused on his customers.

Wayne married Donna Houseman in 1972. Their two daughters gave Wayne and Donna eight grandchildren, and it was rare for Wayne to miss any of their activities. To say he doted on his grandchildren would be an understatement. To them he was known as Big Wayne or Duke, since John Wayne was his favorite actor. As a matter of fact, you could always identify Wayne's Tahoe by his "God Bless John Wayne" bumper sticker.

With his shirts and pants always starched, Wayne was also known as the "Handsome Hunter". He loved his time at Bosque Ranch near Meridian and the Dunn Ranch in Sterling County. He was an accomplished tennis player, and he and Donna enjoyed attending the US Open in New York on numerous occasions.

Wayne was an active member of the Salesmanship Club and the 1996 Class of Misfits. He also followed in the footsteps of his father-in-law, Don Houseman, by delivering Meals on Wheels on a regular basis.

Wayne was predeceased by his father Rea, his mother Lelia, and his sister Ann. He is survived by his wife, Donna, his daughter Leila McCarty, and her husband Scott, their five children, Kate, Jack, Matt, Caroline, and Michael; his daughter Meredith Turner, and her husband Mike, and their three children, Graham, Will, and Thomas.

Donations in Wayne's memory can be sent to the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, Meals on Wheels (in care of the VNA), or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd at 4:00 pm at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.