Wayne Patrick McCardle

Wayne Patrick McCardle, 84, of Cullowhee, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Born on December 26, 1941, in Polk County, Florida, Wayne lived a life marked by faith, family, friendship, and service. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1963.

Wayne was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Jan McCardle, and a loving father to his three children: Julie McCardle Mathis and her husband, Doug; Jon McCardle and his wife, Brandy; and Jeff McCardle and his wife, Sonya. He also shared a special and lasting family bond with Jeff’s first wife, Judy, who remained a beloved part of the family.

One of Wayne’s greatest joys was being “Peepaw” to his seven grandchildren: Stadie McCardle (Elijah), Serenity McCardle, Cole Mathis, Caleb Mathis (Brooke), Abigail McCardle, Hannah McCardle (Dodge), and Emalee McCardle, as well as his precious great-granddaughter, Xylie Aguilera. Wayne is also survived by one brother and one sister.

 He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister. Wayne was a faithful member of what he affectionately called his “little church,” Sugar Creek Baptist Church on Caney Fork. His Christian faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. He loved his church, his family, and the people God placed along his path. Those who knew Wayne will remember the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved sitting on his porch, waving to people as they drove by, and feeding and watching the hummingbirds that came to visit. That porch was more than a place to sit. It was a place to visit, talk, laugh, and enjoy the people and the world around him.

Wayne’s influence reached far beyond his immediate family. He was a father figure to many and a treasured friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a way of making people feel welcome and cared for, and the relationships he built throughout his life reflected the generous heart he shared with others. Wayne leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years. It lives on in the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the friendships he treasured, the faith he carried, and the countless memories made along the way. His family will remember him as a husband, Daddy, Peepaw, brother, friend, veteran, and faithful Christian man.

For those who knew Wayne, it will be hard to pass by his home without looking toward the porch and expecting to see him there, ready with a wave. His family finds comfort in knowing that while his earthly seat is now empty, Wayne is home with the Lord he faithfully loved and served. 

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“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Cherokee Children’s Home, PO Box 507, Cherokee, NC 28719, (please include his name on the memo line) or Life Challenge of Western North Carolina at lifechallengewnc.org.