Wayne Andrews

Wayne Andrews, 87, of Staley died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, February 2, 2025.

Wayne was born August 17, 1937 in Chatham County NC to the late James Clyde and Fallie Reitzel Andrews. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Patricia “Trish” Petty Andrews and his brother James Clyde Andrews Sr.

Mr. Andrews was a lifelong member of Moon’s Chapel Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and taught Sunday School. He was recently honored as the oldest member of the church, which is a testament to his deep commitment to faith and community.

Wayne was the owner of Wayne’s Alignment Service from 1975-2018 where customers from around the state sought out his valued skill and integrity.

In addition to his devotion to his church, Wayne was a distinguished figure in the world of motorsports where he was known as “Winding Wayne”, the name given to him by Jack Rhyne the announcer at Rockingham Speedway. He was crowned the NASCAR Grand American Champion in 1972 and earned the title of SCCA South Atlantic Road Racing Champion in both 1985 and 1986. His contributions to racing were celebrated with his induction into the Mt. Airy Sports Wall of Fame and the Caraway Speedway Wall of Fame. Wayne was also a founding member of the Chatham Street Rod Association, where he enjoyed driving his 1933 Ford Pickup.

After he hung up his racing helmet he returned to his childhood love of flying. Wayne was a member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and built an experimental Sonex airplane in his basement and flew it on a regular basis. Wayne was a passionate and generous person when it came to his love for flying. Sharing that experience with anyone interested, including local Cub Scout troops, must have been a thrilling way to spread his enthusiasm and teach others about aviation.

Wayne’s legacy also includes his active involvement in the Masonic Lodge where he was a Master Mason in the Siler City Lodge 403 A.F.&A.M.

Wayne had a wide circle of friends and deeply loved his family and is survived by four sons: Dennis (Donna), Keith (Kelly), Kevin (Michele), and Greg (Melanie) Andrews; and Lori Andrews; eight grandchildren: Allison Moody, Ashley Hudson, Lane Andrews, Samantha Andrews, Austin Andrews, Grayer Andrews, Audrey Andrews, and Hayes Andrews; and four great-grandchildren: Sophia Moody, Parker Moody, Cal Hudson, and Lyla Hudson.

A visitation will be held February 7, 2025 at Moon’s Chapel Baptist Church, 175 Moon’s Chapel Church Road, Siler City, NC 27344, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm with a Celebration of Wayne’s life following at 12:30 pm.

The family request memorials be made in lieu of flowers to Moon’s Chapel Cemetery Fund.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home is serving the Andrews family.

Online Condolences may be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com