Duane L. Wayman II, age 79, passed away Monday, August 3rd, 2026 at home in Charleston, SC. Duane is the oldest child of Duane L. Wayman and Margaret Hendrix, followed by brother Donald Wayman, Ruth Sprake and Patrice “Peppy” Karros. Duane leaves behind his wife of six years Sally; daughter Alisha Bryson (Brian), grandkids Jake & Reese; son Duane L. Wayman, III “Trippe” (Tracey), grandkids Duane L. Wayman IV “Leroy” & William; and daughter Erin (Mark) Delatte. He also leaves his sister Ruth (Bill) Sprake, as well as nieces and a nephew.

What he may have lacked in stature “Big D” made up for in his huge smile, never ending positive attitude, and strong work ethic. Duane loved his family, the game of golf, and the beauty of the water, but nothing gave him more joy than a good bargain. He was the consummate double-checker of every bill and loved a free tee shirt.

Born in Wyoming, Duane traveled the world as an Army brat, finally settling in the Midwest to attend Western Kentucky University. The first in his family to go to college, Duane worked odd jobs to support himself. He studied hard, but also loved a good time, especially if it was with his brothers in Lambda Chi Alpha, many of whom are still a part of his life.

He was no stranger to hard work and tried his hand at multiple jobs including a gas station attendant, a land surveyor, and a door-to-door Fuller Brush salesman. He moved to Delaware for the DuPont Company but realized he needed to be his own boss. The eternal optimist with a no-quit mentality, Duane was sure he would succeed. So, with a young family, very little savings, and $4000 borrowed from college friends, Duane launched into the fire protection industry. Wayman Fire Protection, Inc. was born in 1974 with a small crew determined to exceed customer expectations. Today, 52 years later, Wayman Fire Protection is a thriving industry leader, strong community supporter, and still family-owned and operated.

As his business prospered, Duane remained committed to his community. He was the founding president of the Delaware Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, and he led Delaware’s Workforce Investment Board. He was deeply committed to training, and re-skilling the state’s workforce. Even after retiring to Charleston, SC he continued to support community programs helping local youth and prisoners needing new skills.

His love of the outdoors flourished, especially if it included time spent playing golf with his family, the Delaware Indians, or the men’s group at Daniel Island Club, and anyone else up for a round.

It should come as no surprise that the man who built his professional life around fire protection would be drawn to the water. Whether it was at his home on the Chesapeake Bay, tropical vacations, or everyday life in Charleston, Duane was happiest near the water. He loved kayaking, paddleboarding, boating or watching the sunset on the Battery.

In a world where he could have been anything, Big D chose to be kind. He responded to any greeting with a smile and “I’m having great day and I hope you are too!”

Private services will be held in Charleston, SC. Delaware services will be scheduled at a later date.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.