William Christopher Wayte passed away on August 12, 2023 as his wife held his hand.  He was born on February 9, 1943 in Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts to Alfred Edwin Wayte and Helen Ann Maroney Wayte.

Bill, as he was known to most, attended Catholic schools in Northampton and graduated from St. Michael’s Catholic High School in 1961 where he played basketball and baseball.  In his youth he enjoyed fishing, ice hockey, and Boy Scouts, where he achieved Eagle Scout.  After graduation, he attended Cambridge School of Business/Communication in Boston, MA where he played basketball and received an Associate Degree in Communications in 1963.  He joined the Air Force that year and was stationed at George Air Force Base, California.  His job as an illustrator required top secret clearance and he was part of the 8^th TAC Fighter Wing.

Bill spent most of his career in the food industry in managerial positions.  A quote from his Air Force superior about Bill’s strengths seemed to foreshadow his path.  “Airman Wayte’s ability to get along with all around him have been of great value in controlling an extremely heavy workload.  He secures the maximum degree of production under stress through his ability to promote harmony and his understanding of human relations.”  Before retiring, he worked for Huddle House Restaurants as VP of Real Estate and Development traveling to choose sites and advise franchisees.

He met Nancy Carol Frazier from East Point, Georgia, at the wedding of a mutual friend in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1966.  The next January he was discharged from the Air Force and headed to Georgia where they were married on August 12, 1967.  Two children were born there, Marabeth in 1969 and Adam in 1972.  They lived in several subdivisions in the Atlanta area, River Oak Village and Hamilton Mill, where golf and tennis were the major pastimes.  Many friends were made during these years and reunions were special.  Golf, tennis, reading, cards, horse racing, cruises and traveling were pastimes he enjoyed as well as watching his favorite sports teams on television or attending in person.

An unplanned move came after retirement.  Their children had moved to Wyoming and established themselves in Casper, Wyoming.  When grandchildren started arriving, it was evident the distance between them was too great so they moved west.  Besides five grandchildren, the biggest change was to decide to buy the only neighborhood grocery left in Casper, Grant Street Grocery and Market.  Owning the 80 year old store became a highlight of Bill’s life.  He continued the history of delivering groceries and having charge accounts for the established customers.  They operated the family owned store for eight years and met the challenges of creating a unique place with gourmet sandwiches, wheels of imported cheese and items unavailable at other stores in town.  Grant Street Grocery and Market was added to the National Historic Register, making it a destination spot.  He loved to tease the kids that came in and made friends with many customers.  After 20 years in Casper, they moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida near Nancy’s sister to help take care of her mother and aunt.

Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Marabeth Kopp (Jim) of Casper, WY; son, Adam Wayte (Arlene) of Casper, WY; sister-in-law, Kathy Taylor (Stuart) of Tarpon Springs, FL; grandchildren, Evan Wayte, Emerson Kopp, Hawkins Kopp, Nolan Wayte, and Stella Wayte.

Burial date will be at the Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery in Casper, WY to be announced later.

Memorial donations can be made to a veteran’s organization of your choice in his honor.