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O. Wayne Tillett, 55, died on Saturday, January 8, 2022, after a courageous 15-year battle with cancer. Born in Manteo, North Carolina, Wayne had been a Hampton resident since 1968. He worked as a Utility Crew Supervisor for the City of Newport News, Waterworks.

Wayne enjoyed fishing, boating, building lighthouses and wood working. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins fan, and a member of the NC Beach Buggy Association, member #9006. Wayne was extremely passionate about his CJ7 Jeep that he owned since he was 19 years old.

Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Ritchie Tillett; survivors include his wife of 33 years, Melissa E. Tillett, his daughter, Tori N. Rethamel and her husband Alek; his mother, Ruth Tillett; his father, Carroll “Frog” Tillett; his aunts, Tessie Clark and June Basnight; his half-sisters, Mara, Erin and Kayleigh; numerous cousins and extended family.

The family will receive friends from 5 – 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton. A graveside service will be conducted at 12 Noon on Thursday, January 13 at Cudworth Cemetery, Wanchese, North Carolina by Pastor Wendy Stowe. The family will gather following the service at Bethany United Methodist Church, Wanchese.

Melissa, Tori, and Ruth would like to thank Dr. David Schiff of the UVA Cancer Center for the care he provided Wayne; as well as Amedisys Hospice, especially Janice, Randi, Trevor, and Wyette. They are forever grateful for your care and compassion.

The family requests memorial donations be made in Wayne’s name to the UVA Cancer Center or the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Foundation.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home. www.rhaydensmith.com.

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