Wayne McNeil Rich

Wayne McNeil Rich, age 92, of Wallace, North Carolina left this earthly life for his eternal rest on Saturday, November 7, 2026.

He was born on October 22, 1934, in Sampson County; the son of the late Vance and Minnie Belle Sessoms Rich. Wayne was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years Jane Cockman Rich and his five siblings Vance Rich Jr., Kathleen O’Neal, Faye Schneid Miller, Melburn Rich and Quinton “Buck” Rich.

Wayne proudly served his country in the US Army. He was a member of the American Legion and a member or First Baptist Church of Wallace.  

Surviving to cherish his memory is his daughter Tracy Rich Stout and husband Tom of Carolina Beach; granddaughter Jordan Teachey Guerrero and husband Logan; step-grandchildren Carolina Perez and Thomas Stout; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends that loved Wayne dearly.

Wayne was a devoted husband and caring father and grandfather. He was the owner and operator of Rich’s Grocery Store for many years in Wallace. Wayne loved planes; in fact they were his passion.  He fell in love with flying when he was in the military.  He worked hard and finished his flying time while working with the NC Forestry service spotting fires from above.  He became a flight instructor and taught several students how to fly.  Wayne always said, "You could get no closer to God than when you were flying". He was the Wallace Airport manager for many years.  Wayne enjoyed over 30 years with Murphy Family Ventures.  The word 'family' in the company name was truly what they were to him; his family away from home.  He was a people's person and enjoyed his time with friends.  He always had friends to come by the grocery store for a coke-cola and to chat.  As time went on, these morning meeting moved to the airport. Many of the world's problems have been solved there.  If you were new to the crowd, Wayne told you to 'pull up a chair and enjoy the talking'.  Through out the day, you could find Wayne sitting in a hanger enjoying the breeze.  With a big heart and love for others, Wayne was a good friend and a great part of the Wallace community. He will surely be missed but never forgotten.

Graveside funeral service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Garland Cemetery in Garland, North Carolina with Reverend Jimmy Johnson officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in memory of Wayne to the American Heart Association, 5001 S. Miami Blvd, # 300, Durham, NC 27703.

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace is serving the Rich family.