Wayne S. Shickel

Wayne Stuart Shickel, 80, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at his residence in Staunton.

He was born on August 24, 1944, in Jollivue to the late Charles Daniel, Sr. and Edith Evelyn Helmick Shickel.

Wayne was a simple man who loved his friends, family, sports, and westerns. He was a man who cherished his roots, having fond memories of his childhood spent growing up in Mt. Ida Orchard. He lived in Augusta County for his entire life, but loved going to Carlisle, Pennsylvania to look at cars.

He was a 1961 Wilson Memorial High School graduate. After he graduated, he pursued a career working at GE/ Genicom as well as American Safety Razor and AMP until he retired.

Outside of his work life he loved varmint hunting and would often talk about having hunted prairie dogs out west with his friend, Milton. Wayne and Milton went riding on Wednesdays and would always eat at Wright’s Dairy-Rite. They would also go groundhog hunting on Saturdays during the season. 

A dedicated muscle car enthusiast, Wayne was known for his love of classic automobiles, particularly his 1966 Chevy II Nova. He could often be found at Eastside Speedway, or various other tracks racing, as well as the street.

Wayne was a dedicated sports enthusiast, with a particular love for ACC football and basketball, always cheering for his favorite team, the University of Virginia.

His passion extended to tennis, where he was an avid fan of the sport. Wayne greatly admired Iga Swaitek, and it was a poignant moment that on the day he left us, he was watching her play.

Wayne also enjoyed following the NFL, though he was not a fan of the Washington Commanders. He had a soft spot for women’s basketball, favoring the University of Connecticut team.

He loved his son, Stuart and supported him in all his endeavors along the way which included track, little league, football, and teaching him how to handle and shoot a gun. He will most be remembered as a good father.

He also had a deep love for his grandchildren Ryan and Landon. He would talk to his son and grandchildren on the phone often, including the night before he died. After hanging up the phone that evening, he told Debbie “Those boys will be fine”.

Wayne started dating Deborah in 1975, then went on to marry her in 1977. Including the time, they dated, and were married, they were together almost fifty years.

He had many friends and was a great judge of character. He was always willing to lend a hand when anyone needed him. He will be sorely missed by those who loved him and the many friends and acquaintances he held dear.

He is survived by his best friends, Milton Runkle and Ronnie Broce, with whom he shared a friendship of over sixty years; his wife, Deborah Anne Shickel; his son Stuart Shickel and his wife, Marisa; his grandchildren, Ryan and Landon Shickel; his brother, Glenn Thomas Shickel; his nieces and nephews, Mary Perry and his wife Terri, Lisa “Peach” Perry, Stephen Shickel and his wife, Gina, Gail Coyner and her husband, Richard; his great nieces and nephews, Travis Coyner and his husband, Hao Nguyen, Renee Nelson and her husband, Chris, and their daughter, Lydia; his very special niece, Amanda Margaret Moore; and his good friends and neighbors, Ronnie and Cindy Warren.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles “Tootie”Daniel Shickel, Jr. and Eugene Martin Shickel; and his sister, Audrey Ann Shickel Perry.

A graveside service will be at 1:00 PM on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Cemetery in Steeles Tavern with Pastor Sarah Hill officiating.

A memorial service will follow at 1:15 PM at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the conclusion of the service in the fellowship hall with light refreshments.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Renewing Home of the Greater Augusta (P.O. Box 3152, Staunton, VA 24402), Riverheads Volunteer Fire Department (49 Swartzel Shop Rd, Staunton VA 24401) or Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund (6410 Lee Jackson Hwy, Steeles Tavern, VA 24476).