Wayne Covington

Mr. Robert “Wayne” Covington, age 80, a beloved educator and devoted family man, passed away on August 3, 2024 at his home in Pilot Mountain. Born on December 19, 1943 in Surry county Robert lived a full and passionate life, marked by his love for nature, animals, and his cherished family.

Wayne was known for his hobbies of hunting, fishing, and meticulously mowing his lawn. An avid animal lover, he had a special fondness for lions. Despite being a private person, his heart was big, and his devotion to his parents was unwavering. He cared for them deeply throughout their lives.

His educational journey took him to Appalachian State University in Boone, where he graduated before embarking on a career in education. Prior to teaching, he worked at TD Simmons Clothier on Main Street in Pilot Mountain. His teaching career spanned several schools, including North Stokes High School, North Surry High School, and Surry Central High School, where he inspired many students in business education.

Mr. Covington was preceded in death by his loving parents, Woodrow Wilson Covington and Gladys Pauline Shelton Covington. He was also preceded by his grandparents, John Robert Covington and Verlie Jane Moran Covington, as well as John Abe Shelton and Ida Belle Frye Shelton.  Additionally, he was preceded by his aunts and uncles: Mazie Covington Dodson (Carl Dodson), Rufus “Maben” Covington (Vetra Perkins Covington), Mathie Covington Graham (Hudson “Hut” Graham), Robert James Covington (Ruby Chilton Covington), John Davis Covington (Catherine Martin Covington), Elbert Marion Shelton (Nannie Collins Shelton), Terry Alton Shelton (Estella Eaton Shelton), Edgar Curtis Shelton (Leanna Johnson Shelton), Velzora Shelton Gordon (Cecil Gordon), Wilma Edwards Dalton (John Dalton), Nina Shelton Sams (Raleigh Ray Sams), Clara Ola Shelton Sams (William Clade Sams), Paul Wilson Shelton, Sr. (Mary Catherine Fulk Shelton), and Lucy Belle Shelton Hooker (Herman Joe “Mutt” Hooker).

Waynes memory will be cherished by his surviving family members, including his brother, John Larry Covington (Linda Chilton Covington), and numerous cousins: Sandra Graham Shelton (Charlie Shelton), RM Covington (Glenda Hunter Covington), Alvin Richard Reid Jr. (Ann Fulk Reid), Jan Lee Reid, Margaret Ann Covington Harrison (Larry Harrison), Paul Wilson Shelton, Jr. (Jane Minton Shelton), Jackie Sams Mills, Doug Hooker (Carol Needham Hooker), Doris Jo Hooker Sechrist, Kathy Gordon Collins, Peggy Gordon McCormick, Mary Ruth Shelton McLaurin, and Jo Ann Sams Hutchens.

He also leaves behind his beloved niece and nephew, Laura Marie Covington Gammons (Dean Gammons) and John Lance Covington (Jennifer Smith Covington), as well as his great-nieces and nephew: Meredith Ashley Tuttle Parker (Robert Parker), Alexandria Covington Burch Gallimore (Ryan Gallimore), and John Tyler Covington. His legacy continues with his great-great-nieces and nephew: Kara Lottie Renee Parker, Kate Abigail Jordan Parker, Karly Elizabeth Grace Parker, and Oliver Clay Gallimore.

Robert Wayne Covington's life was a testament to dedication, love, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service for Mr. Covington will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Whitaker Chapel Global Methodist Church.  Lunch for the family will be held at 12:00pm and visitation at 1:00pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whitaker Chapel Global Methodist Church.

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