WILMINGTON — Wayne Nelson Midgett, 77, of Wilmington, NC, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Wayne was born in Wilmington on May 2, 1947, the son of Roland Percy Midgett and Ethel Midgett Smith. He lived his earliest years in Hampstead and always said that was where he was from.
He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Isle Royale from May 1966 to February 1970. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Metal and Vietnam Service Medal with 1 star. After returning from service, he worked at E. I. Dupont DeNemours & Company in Leland for 30 years.
In addition to being a loving family man, he had two passions: fishing and music. He loved to go fishing, shrimping, and oystering with his son Travis, brother Bennie, cousin Bobby, cousin Mike, and good friends Dary and Butch, just to name a few. But what he loved the most was music, and he was a talented musician. Mostly known for playing the steel guitar, he also played the saxophone and piano. He played in many country and gospel bands over the years and recorded two gospel albums. He was most proud of his steel guitar album entitled “Wonderful Peace”.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Benjamin Midgett; two sisters, Betty Boggs (Pat), and Sylvia Smith (Bobby), and his father & mother-in-law, Albert (Tootie) & Laura Mae Ray.
Wayne is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 57 years, Berniece Ray Midgett. His daughter Teresa McPherson (Blue); his son Travis Midgett; Granddaughter Blake MacKenzie Wells (4-legged grandson Bentley); Grandson Cody McPherson (Kadie), Great-Grandson McCoy; Brother Larry Midgett, Sisters Janice Powell (David), and Mary McLamb (Tom); and he was blessed with numerous nieces and nephews.
