Mr. Charles “Sonny” Wayland, Jr., of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born October 9, 1942, in Newport, the son of Charles Wayland, Sr., and Nellie Lucille (Masters) Wayland.
Mr. Wayland was a 1960 graduate of Newport High School, later obtaining his real estate license. He was a retired farmer, and insurance agent, owning his own agency, Wayland Insurance Company. Mr. Wayland enjoyed watching NASCAR and the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved drag racing and building race cars. In 2021, Mr. Wayland was inducted into the Arkansas Drag Racing Hall of Fame.
In addition to racing, he enjoyed raising a garden, golfing, grilling, and especially loved the time he spent coaching his daughter’s softball and basketball teams.
Mr. Wayland was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Tuckerman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nellie Lucille Wayland; and his nephew, Robbie Hindman.
Mr. Wayland is survived by his wife, Melody (Combs) Wayland of the home; his children, Carey Lampton and wife, Stacey of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Brian Wayland of Jackson Heights, New York, and Lacey Wayland Vaulner and husband, Billy, of Newport; nine grandchildren, Luke Lampton, Caleb Lampton, Chris Lampton, Ellie Lampton, Lin Lampton, Charlie Ray Vaulner, Gunner Maverick Wayland Vaulner, Sydney Sutton Elizabeth Vaulner, and Nolan Nash Wayne Vaulner; one sister, Nellie Jo Ahlf of Sherwood; one niece, Lisa Dickins and husband, Gary, one nephew, Randy Hindman and wife, Shannon; his father and mother-in-law, Robert and Wanda Combs of Tuckerman; and host of many great nieces, nephews, relatives, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home, on Thursday evening, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 22, 2023, at Tuckerman First Free Will Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Poncho Smotherman, Randy Hindman, Josh Combs, Ricky Bise, Ray Sullins, Keith Turner, Billy Vaulner, and Jeff Combs. Honorary pallbearers are his special friend and caregiver, Tinesia Booker, Larry Doyle, Robert and Wanda Combs, and Members of the NHS Class of 1960.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
