Wayne Andrews

Wayne Edward Andrews, 81, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026. Born April 16th, 1945 in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, Wayne was raised in Woodmere, New York. He attended local schools and grew up in a family that valued education. His parents, Edward and Louise Andrews, were both educators in the Nassau County school system, instilling in him a lifelong passion for learning, teaching and service.

After graduating from high school, Wayne moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he attended the University of Virginia and was in the ROTC program there. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in engineering and defense.

Following college, Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army, spending two years as a 1st Lieutenant, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. After completing his military service, he and his wife, Linda, settled in northern Virginia, where he began a 34-year career in the defense contracting industry. Throughout his career, Wayne held positions of increasing responsibility, advancing from systems analyst to Division Director at TASC. During his years in the Washington, D.C., area, he continued his education, earning a Master of Science degree from The George Washington University.

Wayne was respected by colleagues for his intelligence, leadership, and dedication to excellence. His work contributed to important national defense programs, and he approached every challenge with integrity and professionalism. He even had the privilege of briefing President Ronald Reagan during the height of the Cold War on the state of the Soviet Union’s space program.

In 2007, following his retirement, Wayne and Linda relocated to Georgia to be closer to family. Retirement gave him the opportunity to enjoy his hobby of genealogy, cruising the world with Linda, going to grandkids sporting, musical and drama events, many fun get togethers with friends but especially spending time with those he loved most.

Wayne will be remembered for his quiet strength, thoughtful nature, unwavering work ethic, ability to fix anything, his positive spirit especially in hard times, his steadiness, his humor and quick witted puns, and deep devotion to God and his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his kindness,generosity, wisdom, and example.

He is survived by his wife Linda of 57 years; sister, Janice LaRosa (Peter) of The Villages, FL; daughter Kate Tate (Ashley) of Cumming, GA; son Michael Andrews (Nancy) of Cary, NC; 6 grandchildren: Blake Tate (Addie), Brooke Smith (Austin), Brenna Tate, Bryce Tate, Elizabeth Andrews and Dominic Andrews; 2 great grandchildren: Baker and Sage Tate.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will have a visitation on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 3pm to 5pm at McDonald and Son Funeral Home. Private Service will take place at a later date.