Funny, compassionate and caring.
Those are the words co-workers, former co-workers and patients are saying about Wayne Lee, a Nurse Practitioner for Faith Family Practice in Waycross.
“He was the funniest person we all knew,” posted Roxy Sheffield, PA-C and co-owner of Faith Family Practice on the business Facebook page announcing his passing. “We grew to love with all of our hearts. He would do without, so that others could have.
“He has touched so many lives through his many years of nursing, serving at his church, and serving his community of Clinch County. He spent his whole life helping others and it was the last thing he did on this earth.”
Lee passed away tragically Saturday evening, October 8, after he was struck by a passing vehicle while helping an elderly lady change a tire. Details of the accident have not been released by the Georgia State Patrol.
“There are few words that can be said when this world loses someone like Wayne,” said Dr. David Wykstra, MD, who is a General Surgeon Specialist in Waycross. “He was an incredible ER (emergency room) nurse ... a nurse doctors could trust with their patients, a nurse other nurses could rely on and learn from, and a nurse patients could believe would be their advocate.
“He was dedicated, determined, and had a passion and joy for his profession. All of these qualities were burgeoning into an amazing career as a Nurse Practitioner.”
Dr. Wykstra recalled the laughter heard when entering the ER at the hospital or entering Faith Family Practice.
“I can’t count the number of times that I walked in and you could just tell from the laughter that was present that Wayne was working,” said Dr. Wykstra. “He spread his joy like candy to those around him. Heaven is a little brighter, and laughing a whole lot more, with this joyful soul going home. Maybe we can all be a little more like Wayne to this world.”
Lee started his medical career over 20 years ago and worked his way up to the top. He was previously an RN (Registered Nurse) with the hospital in Waycross and with Hospice Satilla. Lee was a member of Indian Mound Church in Millwood.
“He was one of my favorites to work with,” Sheffield said. “His brutal honesty and humor made our day every day. He would make fun of my shoes and clothes, and come up with the craziest metaphors and puns I have ever heard.
“His eagerness to work was inspiring. He did everything with all of his heart and soul. He was always teaching us and ready to help in any situation. Jesus used (Lee) his whole life to help people and he literally sacrificed his life for someone.
“He served his community, his family, strangers, that is who he was ... a servant of the Lord. Wayne’s legacy will live on forever,” said Sheffield.