It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of David Wayne Ennis on September 29, 2026. Everyone who knew and loved him knew him simply as Wayne.

Wayne cherished his family deeply. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann Proctor Ennis; his son, David Wayne Ennis II, and David’s special companion, Patricia Tesla, and her son, Colin Tesla; his daughter, Kristen Paige Hopkins; and his grandchildren, Harli Paige Lee and Tyson Wayne Noel Hopkins. His family was truly the center of his world and brought him immeasurable joy and pride.

Wayne’s greatest love story began on the sand, where he and his devoted wife, Ann, shared their first date. Together, they spent 47 beautiful years building a life centered around their shared love of the beach and family. Wayne often joked that he was lucky enough to spend all of his adult life married to his absolute best friend. Their love, friendship, and life together were a testament to the special bond they shared.

Perhaps the greatest reflection of Wayne’s heart was what so many people called him: “Dad.” Everyone called him Dad, even those who were not his children. Wayne had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and like they always had someone they could count on. He didn’t simply make friends—he made family.

One of the most special bonds Wayne shared was with his son, David. Their love of racing began when David was very young and became a lifelong connection between them. They shared countless conversations, races, memories, and moments surrounding something they both loved. Wayne was proud of the man David became. He saw so much of himself in his son—the willingness to help others, the love of family, and a good heart. David carries his father’s heart with him, and in that way, a part of Wayne will always live on.

Wayne and his daughter, Kristen, shared a profound love and a unique closeness that could weather any storm with grace, humor, and a little bit of stubbornness. Both possessed strong wills, and neither was shy about sharing an opinion. Wayne often joked that Kristen was his “Wild Child,” and he was never shy about telling anyone who would listen. They did not always agree on everything, and there were certainly times when their strong wills met, but they always agreed on one thing: how much they loved each other. Kristen embraced her father’s love of racing and his appreciation for old-school country music, sharing in the things that brought him joy. Their relationship was one of love, laughter, honesty, and an unbreakable bond that will remain with Kristen forever.

Wayne and his granddaughter, Paige, shared a bond that was uniquely theirs. Wayne always called her “Paige,” never by her full name. In the beginning, it was simply Paige and Papa, just the two of them. As the years passed and Paige grew, “Paige and Papa” became “Paige and Dad.” The names changed, but their bond never did.

Wayne was there for Paige through every stage of her life. He helped raise her, guided her, supported her, and stood beside her through all of life’s milestones. But their relationship grew into something even deeper—they became best friends. Wayne and Paige had their own special way of describing their relationship. They called themselves “Two People.” It was a simple phrase that held a lifetime of meaning. They were two people who understood each other, loved each other, laughed together, and shared a bond that was truly one of a kind.

Wayne held a particularly special place in his heart for his grandson, Tyson. To Tyson, he was “Papa,” and their bond was filled with the simple moments that became some of Wayne’s most treasured memories. Wayne spent countless hours playing with Tyson’s toys, watching videos, making trips to Bojangles, and riding up and down the driveway in the golf cart until it ran out of gas. Those everyday moments meant everything to Wayne. They were simply time spent with his grandson, and he treasured every minute. Wayne shared a magical bond with Tyson who adored his Papa and saw him as the greatest person in the world!

Wayne first met Patricia and Colin briefly in Daytona while attending the 24-hour Rolex car race with his son, David. Although their first meeting was brief, the relationship grew over time into something very special. Through David and Patricia’s relationship, and the connection they shared with Colin, Patricia and Colin became an important part of Wayne’s life and family.

Wayne loved Patricia, who was lovingly known as “T” by Wayne and the family. He loved her as a daughter, and she lovingly called him “Dad.” They shared a special friendship filled with laughter, love, and countless memories. You could often find Wayne and T together in the yard, working side by side, helping one another, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Their bond was a special one, built on love, friendship, and family.

Wayne considered Colin his grandson, and Colin called him “Dad.” Wayne became Colin’s mentor, teacher, and friend. He spent countless hours working alongside him on trucks and ATVs, sharing his knowledge and patiently teaching him along the way. Together they built a coffee table and picnic tables as Colin worked toward his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. Wayne believed in Colin and took great pride in helping him reach his goals.

At the age of 19, Wayne began working in the heavy-duty truck parts industry, beginning a career that would span more than 45 years. Over the years, he worked for several companies, including East Carolina Trucks, Brakes Inc., Cooper Kenworth, Peterbilt of Raleigh, and finally Gregory Poole Caterpillar. Throughout his career, Wayne built lasting relationships with the people he worked with, many of whom became much more than coworkers—they became people he considered family. His knowledge, willingness to help, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on the many people he met along the way.

Wayne was also a devoted NASCAR fan. His love of racing was something he shared with David, and it remained an important part of his life. Whether watching a race, working in his garage, helping someone fix something, or spending time with his family, Wayne found happiness in the things that mattered most to him.

Wayne will be remembered for his strong personality, his generous heart, his patience, his willingness to help, and his ability to make people feel like family. He leaves behind more than memories; he leaves behind the lessons he taught, the things he built, the people he helped, and the love he gave so freely.

Wayne is also survived by his mother, Helen Lawhorn Strickland; sister, Trevis Maleski (Mike); brother, Frank Ennis (Claire); many extended family members including sisters, Brothers, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, David Benjamin Ennis (Vera Lee), and Step Father, Golden Virgil Strickland.

To honor Wayne’s memory, the family will host a Celebration of Life on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Wilson’s Mills Baptist Church.

A brief message of remembrance from the pastor will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by food and fellowship. The family invites all who knew Wayne to come, share some snacks, memories, laughter, and fellowship as we celebrate the life of a man who meant so much to so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Wilson’s Mills Baptist Church Youth, 652 Swift Creek Rd., Smithfield, NC 27577.

Wayne will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.