Former Neighbor Wayne Freed Has Died

Wayne Freed  1935-2022

Our condolences go out to Longtime Lido Shorian Wayne Freed, who has passed away.  Wayne died peacefully on July 4th at age 86 here in Sarasota.  Along with wife Alice, the Freed's lived at 1165 Morningside Place until 2019.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Wayne spent has childhood in Old Hickory, stories of which he often recounted fondly.  After a family move to South Carolina during his Junior year, he graduated high school in Aiken.  Despite the difficulties of mastering a manual slide-ruler, Wayne eared his degree in Textile Engineering from Clemson University in 1959.

Wayne loved his career in textiles, many years of which were spent in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area.  Once he decided engineering was not his passion, he focused on sales and product development.  His talent for creating new uses for textile products resulted in five United States patents.  More importantly to him, however, were the lifelong friendships he developed with both colleagues and customers.

Alice and Wayne Freed at 2017 LSPOA Annual Meeting

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 47-years, Alice.  The happiness they enjoyed in each other's company was complete and remained bright throughout their years together.  Wayne and Alice could often be seen taking  daily walks around Lido Shores and to St. Armand's Circle together.  Both were active in LSPOA activities.

Wayne is also survived by his sister Fran Weeks (Harry Odell), children Jon (Donna), David (Heidi), Jamie and Fielding (Lana); and his grandchildren Meghan, Kristen, Ashlee, Fielding Thackston, and great grandchildren Mason and Cameron.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Frances and Walter, and his son Thackston.

A celebration of Wayne's life will take place in Aiken, South Carolina in October.