Wayne Bruce Dolive

Wayne Bruce Dolive, 91, passed away on July 26, 2018, in his home. Known far and wide as ‘Jack’ and later ‘Papa Wayne,’ he was born on September 23, 1926, in Huntsville, Texas to Edward and Mattie Dolive. Wayne proudly served his country during World War II by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After his service, he graduated from Texas A&M University (Class of ‘50) majoring in Civil Engineering and showed off his Aggie ring every day since. Shortly after graduation, Wayne took a position at the Longview Kodak Eastman Plant where he impacted countless lives and made lifelong friends for 40 years. In 1950, he married Billie Jean Hoke of Huntsville until her death in 1975. Together they had two sons: David Wayne of Longview and Brian Bruce of Longview. In 1977, Wayne married Mary Virginia Baird with whom he shared 35 years. One of his favorite stories to tell was about how blessed he was to have these two wonderful women in his life. Wayne was an integral part of Longview’s community, never failing to work hard for causes he believed in and to meet someone and brighten their day. Wayne was a faithful member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) where he served as Elder Emeritus. He served as the caretaker of Bethany Home, a ministry for family members of patients in the ICU at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center. He was known for his bright smile and constant supply of peppermints. Wayne’s activities included being an active member of the Rotary Club of Longview, the United Way of Longview, the Marine Corps League and serving the Deep East Texas A&M Scholarship committee. Wayne is survived by son David and wife Melanie, son Brian and wife Peggy, and step-daughter Barbara Baird all of Longview; stepson Billy Baird and wife Kas of Flagstaff, Az. In addition, Wayne leaves behind 7 grandchildren and their respective spouses: Elizabeth Baird, Drew Baird both of Taylors, SC; Evan and wife Miranda Dolive of Longview; Caitlin and husband Jimmy Rosendo of Irving, TX; Emily and husband Adam Kiec of Winston-Salem, NC; Haley Dolive of Arlington, TX; and Daniel Dolive of Nashville, TN. Wayne also had three great-grandchildren, Violet, Reid, and Charlotte Dolive and two close in-laws, Glenda Bays and Dorothy Benedict. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, a host of lifelong friends, and special neighbors Stan and Judy Roye. Visitation is scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Road in Longview. The funeral is set at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Christian Church, 720 Sixth St. in Longview. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne's name to: First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Longview, The United Way of Longview, the East Texas Angel Network or the Deep East Texas A&M Club Scholarship Fund.

Wayne Bruce Dolive

September 23, 1926 - July 26, 2018