Rev. Wayne Redmond

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21, KJV) Reverend Wayne Redmond was born on August 18, 1948 in King and Queen County, Virginia. He was the only child of Rachel Redmond Custis and James Custis. He departed this life on June 22, 2020. Accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, he was baptized at Ephesus Baptist Church, and later joined Union Prospect Baptist Church. Known for his exceptionally strong work ethic, Wayne drove the school bus and worked for a dry cleaners while attending Hamilton-Holmes High School in King William, Virginia. He graduated in 1966. As a first generation college student, Wayne majored in Business Education at Virginia State College. While at Virginia State, he was active in ROTC and pledged Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated. Upon graduating from Virginia State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. His first duty station was in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. On June 19, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Harolyn Cecelia Mays. They had their first daughter, Donna, while stationed in Carlisle, PA. Wayne also served in Indianapolis, IN and Fort Lee, VA before his honorable discharge as a 1st Lieutenant. He joined the Army Reserve, where he was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. Wayne began his civilian career at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, PA in the personnel department. Later, Wayne and Harolyn moved back to Richmond, VA, where Wayne worked at the Bank of Virginia and where their second daughter, Rachelle, was born. In 1984, Wayne accepted a promotional opportunity from Digital Equipment Corporation in Charlotte, NC. After two years of missing family and friends, Wayne and his family returned to Richmond, VA. While continuing to work, Wayne earned a Master of Science degree in Human Resources from The American University. He stayed with the computer company as it changed ownership, and ultimately retired from Hewlett Packard as a Human Resources Manager after 25 years of dedicated service. Every aspect of Wayne’s life was grounded in his deep faith and service to God. A man of integrity, Wayne’s leadership was guided by his values. He joined St. James Baptist Church in 1979 and was an active member for over 40 years. He taught church school and Vacation Bible School, was ordained as a deacon and served as chairman for a number of years. During the expansion of the church, Wayne played a vital role in coordinating the building project for the current sanctuary and multipurpose building. He was also active in the Sheepfold Ministry, and a member of the Karakul Kraal Sheepfold. On December 28, 2003, he answered God’s call and was licensed to preach the gospel. He became an Associate Minister at St. James where he served briefly as the first church administrator. Subsequently, he was employed as the first church administrator of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen and Fourth Baptist Church in Richmond. He also served as Interim Pastor of Blessed Hope Baptist. He studied at The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, and he earned a Certificate of Church Business Administration from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education. Beyond his deep faith and strong values, Wayne’s legacy will be one of service. He served on the board of Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME). He also served as his company’s liaison with the National Urban League, working to ensure job opportunities for people of color. He helped young people identify their career interests and increase their marketability. He also volunteered for Henrico Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to support at-risk youth. Wayne’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, and an involved and caring father. He doted on his girls and always sacrificed for their happiness. His love only grew as he was blessed with his sons-in-law and three energetic granddaughters. He enjoyed family dinners, family trips to Williamsburg and watching his Dallas Cowboys win football games. One of Wayne’s favorite Bible verses was, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV) To carry on his legacy of faith and service and to cherish his memory, he leaves his loving and devoted wife, Harolyn Mays Redmond; two daughters, Dr. Donna Redmond Jones (Rendell) of Olney, MD and Dr. Rachelle Redmond Barnes (Zachary) of Greensboro, NC; three granddaughters, Keira Jones, Chelsea and Chloe Barnes; two sisters-in-law, Vanessa Mays Whaley and Marsha Mays-Bernard. Three first cousins: Patricia Randolph, Wilda Hobbs and Rev. John W. Redmond, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”

Tributes

Rev. Wayne Redmond

August 18, 1948 - June 22, 2020