Wayne Otto Wagoner, 84, of Kannapolis, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Wayne was born on July 8, 1941, in Cabarrus County. He was the cherished son of the late Merrell Tokyo Wagoner and Pearl Gordon Wagoner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his nephew, Foy Lynn Barbee.

Wayne was a graduate of Winecoff High School and retired from Cannon Mills and Atrium Health-Cabarrus. He enjoyed spending his time watching professional wrestling and classic television, especially Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show, and just about every cowboy show ever made. He also appreciated listening to the encouraging messages of Joel Osteen and Steven Furtick.

In his younger years, he loved taking his wife dancing, and those evenings remained treasured memories throughout his life. Wayne found peace sitting in the sunroom watching the birds and enjoying the beauty of nature.

A talented cook and baker, Wayne was known for his wonderful meals and especially his amazing hummingbird cakes with his granddaughter, Haley. He also dearly loved his faithful dog, Katie Grace, who brought him constant companionship and joy.

Wayne will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life, wife of 63 years, Judy Hines Wagoner; daughters, Kimberly Wagoner Lear Lawson (Stan), Sherry Wagoner Ketner (Fred), and Gina Wagoner Garver (Michael); grandchildren, Tristan Robert Lear, Joshua Wayne Lear, Zachary Wayne Ketner, Jordan Alexander Ketner, Haley Kathleen Garver, and Mitchell Wayne Garver; and great-grandchildren, Hudson, Palmer, Eden, Parker, Hadley, Quinn, Ronin Otto, Tessa, and Lando;dearly loved surviving sister, Mildred Barbee; Wayne was also blessed with many loved nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, in-laws, family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Rodgers Park Baptist Church-309 E 24th St, Kannapolis, NC 28083 or Solid Rock Worship Center- 3000 Centergrove Rd, Kannapolis, NC 28083

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Rodgers Park Baptist Church in Kannapolis. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation, beginning at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Joel Ervin and Rev. Mike Wooldridge, Jr. officiating. Interment will be at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of his caregivers, as well as to Gentiva Hospice, for their compassionate care and support. We are especially thankful for the special few who went above and beyond, becoming like family to us — you know who you are, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.