Wayne Dudley Adams

Wayne Dudley Adams, 88, of Waco, passed away on July 21, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Monday, July 26, in the chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Wayne was born into a loving and humble home to Lillie Mae and Dudley Adams. They owned a dry goods store and farmed cotton on the plains of west Texas. He and his older brother Bill were given a deep heritage of love, hard work, and faith in God. These would mark his life and his family for almost 9 decades. He grew up in Leslie, Texas and played all sports at Lakeview High School, but excelled in football. As a senior in High School, he was invited to “audition” for a football scholarship by practicing with the college team at Hardin Simmons University. He impressed the coaches and players alike and, as a result, was given a football scholarship. The first college football game he ever saw, he actually played in! He excelled as an offensive and defensive tackle for the HSU Cowboys for all four years. For the rest of his long life, most of his closest friends could be traced back to his teammates and his days on the HSU campus. The greatest prize from his college days, however, was winning the heart and hand of Elizabeth (Libby) Bayless of Borger, TX. They were married on June 28,1952 and lived a wonderful life together of almost 66 years until Libby’s passing on March 27, 2018. He missed her every day since then until now. Upon graduating from Hardin Simmons they moved to Borger, TX, where Wayne would begin his life-long career in the oil and gas industry. His strong work ethic was never more evident than in his working 43 years and never missing one single day of work due to illness! It was in Borger that they started their family together. Libby gave birth to three precious girls who have grown up into outstanding, godly women, who gave them three loving sons-in-law, eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, and counting! He lived a humble life -- loving, serving and faithfully providing for his family. Though having a rugged, west Texas upbringing, which gave him a tough, no-nonsense exterior, in his later years he was known as a softy whose chin would quiver at almost anything involving his family. He was known as Big Daddy to his adoring grandchildren and greats, and never missed a family gathering or celebration where he would always enjoy the chaos…from a safe distance. They, and we, will miss his steady consistent presence in our family. Wayne was known and loved by many who serve in our community who would experience his kindness in personal interactions with him at his favorite restaurants and other merchants in town. Wayne’s faith was quiet and deep. One of the last things he said to his daughters was; “I want you to know that I’m ready to see my Lord.” On June 23, Wayne suffered a stroke and spent the last days of his life in the care of the staff at Lake Ridge Healthy Living, otherwise known as Uni’s Place. Wayne’s daughters want to thank Uni and her staff for the loving care given to their precious father. Wayne is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law. Tanya and Pat Murphy, Lisa and Clif Hooper, Julie Marple and Jason Bruhn. The family invites you to share a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.