Wayne Dale Wildridge Sr.

Celebration of Life Services for Wayne Dale Wildridge Sr., 69, were held on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 927 W. Seventh St. in Crowley. Rev. Jessie Banks officiated and Rev. Christopher Arvie provided the Eulogy.
Visiting with family and friends was in the church from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Burial followed in the West Crowley Cemetery under the direction of Semien-Lewis Mortuary of Jennings.
Wayne Dale Wilridge Sr. took his first breath on July 4, 1955, in Crowley, born to the late Atkin Wilridge Sr. and Freddie “Helen” Wilridge. He was the fourth of 13 children, a beloved part of a large and close-knit family.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, while traveling from Texas to Louisiana, a quiet stillness settled over Wayne, and at that moment, his spirit and soul gently parted from his body. Though he thought he was heading to his earthly home, he instead found himself welcomed into his heavenly one.
That Sunday, Wayne shared his final smile with the world. As we reflect on his life, I leave you with a reminder, something Wayne often said before offering a word of wisdom: “Remember something.” Let us remember that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, as paraphrased from 2 Corinthians 5:8. (KJV)
His professional journey began in 1977 with Halliburton Services. After a year, he joined Western Company, where he started as a truck driver before being promoted to Equipment Operator. Wayne’s career ascended steadily, from Service Supervisor to Field Supervisor, eventually reaching the role of Quality Specialist.
Spanning 46.8 years, from 1977 to 2024, Wayne set a standard of excellence in hard work and dedication in the oil and gas industry. His remarkable career continues to inspire, serving as one of the greatest examples of what true leadership and success looks like.
Wayne was also a generous giver, living by the Word of God. Every year, he made it a point to donate and distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, provide backpacks filled with essentials to those in need, and support the Maryland Chapel Store. Many of his kind gestures were known only to those who received them, as he never expected anything in return.
Let us remember the joy and love Wayne shared with so many in this world and consider how we can continue even a fraction of the work he leaves behind. He was a true conduit of the Holy Spirit, sharing all he earned for the glory of God.
Wayne leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories that will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved him as he is survived by his daughter, Donita Wilridge; three sons, Wayne Wilridge Jr., Tramarcus (Terriona) Williams Sr., and Stacey Newton; 11 grandchildren, A’Miracle, A’Heavenly, J’hnessa, Christian, Brooklyn (Kevon), Wayne III, Tyler, Annalisa, Matthew Jr., Takiah and Tramarcus Jr., six great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Marilyn, Nasir, Na’ila, Waylynn and Dakota; four brothers, Atkin (Betty) Wilridge Jr., Steven (Lucretia) Wilridge, Mark Wilridge and Tracy Wilridge Sr.; six sisters; Joynetta (Andrew) Seay, Beverly (Bertrand) Blackwell, Martha (Orwin) Williams, Sheryl Berry, Lisa Wilridge and Wittie Wilridge; three aunts, Rose Ida Guilbeau, Lettie Mae Wilridge and Edvidge Chatters Jordan; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Atkin Wilridge Sr. and Freddie “Helen” Wilridge; one sister, Carolyn Wilridge; one brother, John Austin; maternal grandparents, Freddie and Mary Green; four uncles; Edward “KIDD,” Adam, Edgar and Samuel Jordan; one aunt, Felton Domino; paternal grandparents, Thomas Wilridge Sr. and Wittie Coleman Wilridge; two uncles, Thomas and Homer Wilridge; three aunts, Nettie Walker, Goldie Bray and Addie Handy.
Arrangements were entrusted to Semien-Lewis Mortuary, LLC, 337-824-0521, Jennings