Wayne Arthur Walcott

Wayne Arthur Walcott died peacefully and surrounded by family on April 11, 2025. Wayne was born on September 18,1943 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Ivan and Carrie Walcott and grew up in and around west-central Michigan (catching and ultimately contaminating his family with Detroit Lions fandom) before moving to the Charlotte area in 1970. He is survived by his wife, Donna Jayne Walcott, children Eric Walcott, Corey Walcott, Michael White, and Lori Smith, daughters-in-law Kimberly Walcott and Ginger Wagoner, and grandchildren Bryson Walcott, Aislinn Walcott, Brian Furr, Addy White, Dalton Walcott, Taylor Walcott, Zoë Macomber, and Aleksandr Walcott.

Wayne graduated from Plainwell High School in 1961, Western Michigan University in 1965, and the University of Illinois in 1971 with a PhD in Geography. He married Donna Struble in 1967 and they relocated to Charlotte, NC in 1970 to begin his career at UNC-Charlotte.

Wayne had a distinguished 38-year career at UNC-Charlotte serving as Professor of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department Chair, and Associate Provost. Far more important than titles, though, were his friendships, impact on students and colleagues, ability to mediate disagreements, and stewardship of the University’s growth.

Wayne and Donna also leaned into their community by being foster parents. 13 children, some with special needs or labeled hard to place, found sanctuary in their home and they cared for each one with love and compassion.

Wayne was decent, witty, flawed, nice, goofy, friendly, awkward, even-keeled, and sincere. He took on projects that he had no hope of completing because he aspired to either better himself, save a dime, or see the look on somebody’s face at the improbable conclusion. He shot model rockets, waded in rivers to fish, and rafted white-water because somebody he loved wanted him to and so he intrinsically wanted to. He read voraciously, cooked experimentally, and chain-sawed a skosh dangerously. He was somewhat outgoing publicly and somewhat too reserved privately. He was kind. Deep in his bone marrow, he was kind.

Wayne battled Alzheimer's in his final years. Despite the many courses the disease took, it never eroded his kindness. Family and caretakers were routinely shocked and blessed by his demeanor all the way to the final days. We should all be so lucky to leave that legacy.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com