Wayne Alan Watterson

Wayne Alan Watterson, 69, of Winter Park, FL, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020 after fighting a heroic battle with brain cancer.

Wayne was born in Natrona Heights, PA on March 9, 1951.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Guy Watterson, as well as his sister, Karen Jackson.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol, 4 sons and daughter-in-laws; Chris and Shayne of Fairport, NY, David and Shannon of Winter Springs, FL, Daniel and Anna of El Dorado Hills, CA and Samuel and Beth of Maitland, FL. He was also blessed with 5 beautiful grandchildren; Anna, Myles, Sophia, Jack and Wayde. Wayne is also survived by his brother John, of St. Petersburg, FL.

Wayne graduated from Apollo High School in 1969 and went on to major in Industrial Engineering at Penn State University. Immediately following graduation from PSU in June of 1973, he started working for Westinghouse in the Purchasing Department with a goal to only work for one company in his career. Although the company changed hands several times during his career, he accomplished that goal, retiring in 2017 from Siemens as a Director. Wayne had an incredible work ethic, believing that making decisions in the best interest of the company always trumped any personal gain. He loved mentoring and helping teach those around him the many lessons learned from his years of experience. Although he was humble about his professional accomplishments, he was extremely proud of his family, which he considered his greatest accomplishment in life.

Volunteering was important to Wayne, both earlier in his life as a soccer coach for his four sons and then later in life at Freedom Ride. In addition to volunteering, he loved playing golf with his boys and friends from Siemens and watching Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football. He enjoyed many years of attending Orlando City Soccer as a Society XXI season ticket holder. He was a member of College Park United Methodist Church.

We are so proud of the fact that he didn't let his illness control his last several years. As long as he was able, he spent his last 3½ years traveling, golfing, visiting family and friends, and welcoming 4 more grandchildren to the Watterson family. He defied the odds of his prognosis, and we believe, in turn, helped other cancer patients in the process. He maintained a very positive attitude but also a very realistic one. He handled his situation with grace and dignity and we thank him for the strength he gave us through his cancer journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly request that if you are so inclined to do something in memory of Wayne, that you consider contributing to the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the many people who supported Wayne and our family over these last several years. Your love, prayers and support were priceless.

Due to COVID guidelines and restrictions, Wayne's celebration of life service will be private. We hope that those not able to attend will understand and will toast and celebrate his life in their own special way.

To share your memories of Wayne or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.