Wayne Edward Phoenix

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our family patriarch Wayne E. Phoenix. Wayne passed away peacefully at his cottage in Mt. Pleasant, SC on Friday, March 15, 2024 surrounded by family.

Wayne was a charismatic, endearing, handsome, generous and kind father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was someone whom everyone could count on and who seemed to know exactly what to say and do in any situation. He was the epitome of a stand-up gentleman with an extremely lovable personality.

Wayne and his late wife Karlene enjoyed over 40 years of beautiful marriage. His love and commitment to Karlene shined brightly for all to see. He was a devoted husband and they loved to travel, hike, and explore the world together.

He was known to make a mean martini and had a genuine knack for putting people at ease and making them feel like the most important person in the room. Hosting memorable events and making regular moments feel extra special was a skill Wayne honed over the years. Every person was significant to him and never glanced over. He remembered not only your name but also small bits of information with genuine care, continually considerate of those he knew and met. His willingness to help out when needed went above and beyond not only for his family but all those within his life.

He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed taking classes on everything under the sun. He was the first one to tell of any breaking news and somehow always knew the weather report before anyone else. Taking courses through Franke College was a favorite hobby, sharing what he learned and relating it to today’s events with a sharp mind that remained curious to the end. He always encouraged his daughter’s and grandchildren to gain knowledge, learn skills and was keen to share any article or magazine on their specific fields of interest.

Everyone knew of his love for Maine and he (along with his family) vacationed there almost every summer. He would joke with his grandchildren who would be the first off the plane to have lobster, fried clams and blueberry ice cream!

He was a proficient gardener and had the greenest of green thumbs. He not only cultivated, but constructed many fruit and vegetable gardens throughout the years and always knew just what would grow and how to nurture it. He loved being outdoors and could tell you each and every bird whistle.

In his later life, he very much enjoyed being on the Croquet field with his friends at Franke at Seaside. Always dressed properly in his ‘whites’ he was quite the competitor and won many a tournament.

Wayne graduated from South Hadley High School, Northeastern College/ Western New England College and completed his Graduate Education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He started his career at New England Telephone Company in Holyoke and Springfield MA, then moved on to Western Electric Corp in Winston Salem, NC and AT&T in New York City. Continuing on with AT&T, Bell South and Bell Labs he opened Education Centers throughout the country implementing state of the art products and methods of advanced operations. After an illustrious 35 year career he retired and moved into consultant work with companies in both Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach Gardens. FL while waiting for Karlene to retire.

He finished his career off by joining the Volunteer Fire Department in Lake Lure NC, where he and Karlene moved in their retirement. He served as one of the principle fire engine drivers. This later venture became a passion of his and source of pride to share with his family and friends.

Our cherished Wayne is survived by: Daughters: Jennifer Alspector (Brian), grandchildren Reese, Madison (Stephen), and Andrew. Marcia Patten, grandchildren Adam (Courtney), great grandchildren Thomas, Sara, Grace and Noah. Sister: Phoebe Daunais, nieces and nephews Cindy, Debby,
Kenny. Stepson: Tim Lycke (Blanca) grandchildren Christian (Jessica), Ashley. Brother in law: John Beyer (MaryAnn)

A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future for family and friends, details to come.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to HALOS of Charleston or The National Parks Foundation in Wayne’s honor or to the Alzheimers Association to honor his late wife Karlene. The family wishes to thank Wayne’s Hospice caretakers during this sudden turn of health. Your support and kindness in helping us care for our beloved Dad and Grandfather is immeasurable.

Expressions of sympathy can be viewed at mcalister-smith.com

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road,  Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843 884 3833.