Wayne France

Wayne Andrew France, 81, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 6, 2026, in Prescott, Arizona. Born on January 17, 1945, in Roanoke, Virginia, Wayne lived a life marked by service, devotion to family, and a deep love for his country and faith.

A proud graduate of William Fleming High School in Roanoke, Class of 1963, Wayne went on to join and serve honorably in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968. His time in the military reflected his steadfast commitment to God, family, and country—values that remained central throughout his life.

Wayne was a gifted mechanic by trade with an innate talent for understanding how things worked. Whether it was cars or anything mechanical, he had a knack for fixing just about anything—at least according to those who knew him best. His passion for all things automotive extended beyond the garage; he was an avid fan of NASCAR, Hot Rods, gardening and football, especially the Buckeyes and Dallas Cowboys.

Faith played a vital role in Wayne’s life. He knew God, but found a personal relationship to serve Jesus Christ through The Walk to Emmaus in Reynoldsburg ,OH. He remained active in serving that community as well as his home church, always seeking ways to give back and share his faith.

Wayne’s generosity and compassion were evident in his life. He was known as someone who would help others without expecting anything in return.

In his later years, Wayne resided at the Prescott VA Community Living Center (CLC) in Prescott, Arizona. His family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated nurses, therapists, volunteers, and staff at this facility. Their unwavering care and support brought comfort not only to Wayne but also to those who loved him most.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elizabeth France; son Norman Johnson; parents Madison and Virginia France; and brother Carson France.

Wayne is survived by his children Debbie Drew, Sharon Weise, Kathy (Steve) Friece, and Michael (Sheri) France; grandchildren Wayne Drew; Mandy(John)Nippert; Christy (Dana) Parham; Nancy (Ian) Zastudil; Traci Casey; Jeffrey (Megan) Friece; Patrick (Erica Thomson) Friece; Tyler (Olivia) France; Benjamin France; and Parker France; great-grandchildren Cody Drew; Maddi Casey; Isaiah Nippert; Wesley Friece; Levi Nippert; Christian Friece; Samuel Nippert; Remi Zahn; and Bowen France. His sisters Elaine France and Gayle (Archie) Caldwell as well as many nieces and nephews. Annie France, wife (Prescott,AZ).

Wayne’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched with kindness, skillful hands, unwavering faith, and enduring love for those around him.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at the Oliver-Cheek Funeral Home on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00 am concluding with internment at Reber Hill Cemetery Ashville, Ohio. In lieu flowers the family asks that donations be made to Prescott VA hospice care. Website https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52238064/. Facility is Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System in memory of Wayne Andrew France, Hospice Care. Online condolences at olivercheekfuneralhome.com