Albert Vest

Wayne was born on October 18, 1948, in Princeton, WV to the late Charles Leslie Vest and Bertha Marie Vest (Pettrey). He grew up in Mercer County, WV, and moved to Newport News, VA as a young man. Wayne was a graduate of Newport News High School in 1966. He was drafted and joined the army and served his country in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. He was in the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment (Blackhorse Regiment) and was an engineer during his time there. He lost many friends and returned home with many wounds and memories, but he was always proud of his commitment and was honored to serve.

Wayne was an avid car guy and had a love for anything Chevrolet, especially Chevelles and Corvettes. He spent many evenings and weekends working on cars and even prepping and painting them for friends and acquaintances. He worked in the automotive industry, specifically dealerships for the majority of his career. He was a fixed operations director, service director, and parts manager, before finally settling into his last job before retirement as body shop manager for Bellamy Strickland Chevrolet in McDonough, GA. He was well known for being a fair leader and excellent manager. Throughout his career, he earned many accolades and produced record breaking profits for his employers. He earned his nickname of “The Intimidator” by always striving for perfection, and quite often finding it. Wayne enjoyed his retirement, but he never stopped “working”. You could always find him helping his friends cut down trees, tending to a farm, or just lending a helping hand where needed. Wayne was a part of a local Vietnam Veterans Group in McDonough, which he enjoyed so much. He made many friends and was proud to help out his fellow veterans in any way that he could. He also loved to sing and sang in a gospel quartet as a young man. He enjoyed many Saturday mornings with his family singing and dancing to music by the Statler Brothers, and his family compared his voice with that of the group’s bass singer. Wayne loved helping and serving people, sharing his faith, and bringing others to Christ. His sweet smile and fun and silly personality made it easy for people to like him and genuinely relate to him.

Wayne married the love of his life, Anita Turlington Vest in 1974, and only his passing could separate them after 50 years. He is also survived by his two daughters, Shana Steiner (Larry Steiner) of Yorktown, VA, and Heather Vest Whisnant (Scott Whisnant) of Monroe, GA; his granddaughters Ashton Steiner, Ava Grace Pittman, and Anslie Marie Pittman; sister Brenda Bradley (Bill Bradley) of SC as well as nieces Tammi Preziosi of NC and Tara Bradley of NC; many cousins, neighbors, friends and brothers in Christ that he always considered family. Wayne’s passing has left an unfillable void in their lives and he will forever be lovingly remembered by his family. He was so proud of all of “his girls” and they will always remember his unconditional love, strong hugs, and sweet nicknames that he gave them.

A private celebration of Waynes life will be held at a later date.