Wayne Hale Duff

Wayne Hale Duff, born January 1, 1950, in Bluefield, West Virginia, to Oscar and Elizabeth Duff, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at his home in High Point, NC on February 4, 2026. He was raised in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Charleston, West Virginia. One of four children, Wayne is survived by his youngest sibling, Anita Duff of Pensacola, Florida, and is preceded in death by siblings Ronald Duff and Elizabeth Ann Duff.

Wayne attended West Virginia University, where his academic gifts and dedication led him to earn a master’s degree in Organic Chemistry. He built a successful and respected career in his field, including holding long-term leadership roles at Dan River Mills and DanChem in Danville, Virginia, ProChem Chemicals in High Point, North Carolina, and at Glycotech, Inc. in Leland, North Carolina.

Early in his career, while working in North Carolina, Wayne met Patricia Ratledge of Woodleaf, North Carolina and the two married in 1976. They settled in Danville, Virginia, where they raised their children: Matthew Wayne Duff (spouse Sarah Duff) and Sarah Elizabeth “Sally” Duff Nicol (spouse Glen Nicol). Wayne and his family were steadfast members of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville for over twenty years before relocating to North Carolina.

In 2001, Wayne and Patricia moved to High Point, North Carolina, where they became active and dedicated members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Faith and family remained central throughout the later chapters of his life. Wayne was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Helena, Callan, and Vivian Nicol (children of Glen and Sally Nicol) and Declan Duff (son of Matthew and Sarah Duff). This August, Wayne and Patricia would have celebrated 50 years of marriage, a testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and shared memories.

Wayne will be remembered not only for his intellect and leadership, but also for his wonderful sense of humor and rare ability to make others laugh. His quick wit, gentle humor, and warm presence brought light to those around him. Above all, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a steady presence in the lives of all who knew him.

His legacy lives on through the lives he shaped, the laughter he shared, and the deep love he held for his family.

A memorial service celebrating his life will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in High Point, North Carolina. Those wishing to honor his memory may make a donation to Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.