Wayne Roy Smith, 84, of Wooster died on Monday, July 27, 2026 at his home.
He was born July 2, 1942 in Wooster to Roy C. and Elvira Steenstra Smith. On June 26, 1966, he married Carol Celke. She survives.
Wayne was a 1961 graduate of Wooster High School and a member of the 1960 Wooster High School undefeated Football team. He was a journeyman electrician and owned and operated Wayne Smith Family Concessions for over 46 years. He was a proud U.S. Marine specializing in Amphibious Reconnaissance. Wayne was the Ohio Marine Reservist of the year in 1965. He enjoyed scuba diving, wildlife and raising his eclectic collection of farm animals. He was a member of the Greater Ohio Showman’s Association.
Along with his wife, Carol, Wayne is survived by his children Kelly (Brannon) Riley of Creston and David (Tiffany) Smith of Roswell, GA; grandchildren Stone, Rory and Jake; sister Rita Leggett of Moreland; several nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; sister Janice (Richard) Wasson and brother-in-law James Leggett.
Private family services were held.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family..
Contributions may be made to the H.O.P.S (Honoring Our Patriot’s Service) c/o Wayne County Fair, PO Box 3, Wooster, OH 44691 or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Carol and family
Deepest sympathy to you in this sad time. So glad I had the pleasure of knowing you and working side by side at the Saddle Club & the fairs.
Julie Covert & family
My sympathy to you and your family. What a great man and wonderful neighbor. It was so much fun coming to your house and watching the goats fall over or those Lamas spit on you. So many good stories. Semper Fi. Marine. Ted Rehard
Carol and Family, I hold the times we had fun at your home. You were an amazing couple and blessed to be together for so many years. I pray you find comfort in all the love surrounding you.
Praying for the family. Carroll always spoke highly of Wayne.
He was always so friendly to us at the fairs when we worked for lerches
Wayne was always lots of fun and a good man. Praying Carol, David, Kelly and their family and friends find comfort in their many wonderful memories. RIP Wayne.
Carol, we are extending our deepest sympathy in this passing of Wayne. This indeed has been a long and difficult journey for you to go through. We know that this has not been a journey that he intended you to go through, however we can find peace in this, as he has now completed the finale rest in the presence of our living God. May you find peace in reflecting on the precious times you shared in years past. Our love to you.
Emerson & Bonnie
Wayne was a great friend and will be missed by many. Have known his family over 40 years and Carol and the kids will be on my mind.
Dear Carol, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I know some of the challenges you went through, over the past couple of years. Wayne was a great friend and I knew that he could be a handful at times. You never waivered, and stayed the coarse, and that shows who you really are. God bless you and your family.
Mike & Donna
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Carol, Kelly and David, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I had lots of laughs and some tears working for Wayne at the Fairs. He always took care of us.
I don’t think there was a person he didn’t know there.
He definitely was a unique man.
I will miss you.
It’s so hard! I’m here for you Kelly! Hugs and love to you and your family! I cherish the stories you shared about your dad! ❤️
There’s just something special between a dad and his daughter!
So sorry for your loss! Wayne was a great member of our class & loved by all! Great memories at the fair & your home
The picture above is how I want to remember Wayne. Our connection going back over 45 years from the carnival business. His unique perspective on everything could aways make me laugh in the middle of the most hectic or trying days of our life on the road. Hugs to all the family. Peace and love to you all.
Carol, Kelly and David,
We are so, so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I can still hear Wayne telling us 40 years ago to cut the sausage smaller! He was a fiesty one for sure. Carol, you have been a warrior these past few years especially. It’s time to lean on us now. Comfort, hugs and love.
I have so many fun memories of Wayne from working with Charlie’s crew. He will be missed for sure. My thoughts and prayers Carol and Kelly.
PALS
elsiejmw@me.com
Carol and family, we will miss him, he was always full of great stories, and a true friend. Love and prayers. ❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏✝️✝️
Carol,
Wayne and you shared a partnership that many of us admired !
His friendship was a gift. I’m grateful to have received it, and we know many of you feel the same.
Rest well, my friend. Your memory will stay with us forever
Sheila and I are so sorry to hear this news. We have so many Wayne stories that bring a smile to our face. Practical jokes at the fair and his love of family
Condolences Carol , David and Kelly
RIP WAYNE
I have great memories with Wayne and family. Some of the first families that I meant going into fair business. So glad I seen you last year in Wooster at the Fair! My love, thoughts and prayers are with Carol, Kelly and David! RIP Wayne
Wayne smith had lamas that got out awhile ago and I helped put them back in there pens,also he was good friends with my cousin Harold Beers in high school.sorry for the family loss
Carol, David and Kelly, We’re never ready to say good bye to our loved ones. The past few years were a struggle for Wayne and you. I hope you can find comfort,as you spend time with friends and family.