Rev. Lewis Wayne Getchell

Reverend Lewis Wayne Getchell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of God, went home to be with Jesus on June 29, 2026, at the age of 87.
Born on January 25, 1939, in Kenduskeag, Maine, Wayne was the son of Harry and Pauline Getchell. He was raised in Hampden, Maine, where he lived until his marriage. He graduated from Hampden Academy before earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Maine.
On June 3, 1963, Wayne married the love of his life, Sally Ann Clement, in Kenduskeag, Maine. The couple moved to Maryland, where Wayne worked for the National Security Agency while earning a degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Later, he purchased an auto parts store in Greensboro, Maryland, and relocated his family to nearby Goldsboro.
In later years, Wayne answered God's call to ministry. He earned a ministerial degree from Wesley Theological Seminary and faithfully served as pastor of a charge of United Methodist churches in Bozman, Maryland. His final pastoral appointment was in Greensboro, where he ministered with compassion and dedication.
Following his retirement in 2001, Wayne and Sally moved to Zephyrhills, Florida. Even in retirement, Wayne continued serving as an associate pastor. Together, he and Sally coordinated trips for their senior ministry, sharing their love of fellowship and service. They also treasured spending time with friends and relaxing on their front porch, watching the Zephyrhills skydivers drift across the Florida sky.
Wayne's greatest joy was his family, whom he often referred to as "his blessing." He is survived by his three children: Angel Lay (Tim) of Cape Coral, Florida; Scott Getchell (Cheryl) of Denton, Maryland; and Candy Jordan (Richard) of Denton, Maryland. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Travis Lay, Ryan Lay, Brandon Eckeard, Kyle Getchell, and Morgan Griffith; four great-grandchildren: Hayden, Jessie, Dahlia, and one who is expected to arrive in September.
Wayne had a special love for animals, especially Cookie, Luna, Smokey Bear, and the many rescued cats that found loving homes with him over the years.
Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sally, in 2025, as well as his four siblings: June Bell, Alfred Getchell, Gloria Porter, and Ernie Getchell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Wayne's honor to Compass Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association.
A private graveside service will be held for Wayne and Sally together. A celebration of life honoring them both will be held at 1:00PM on August 1, 2026, at the Denton Church of the Nazarene.
Wayne will be remembered for his unwavering faith, humor, gentle spirit, devotion to his family, and a lifetime spent serving God and others. His legacy of love, kindness, and faithfulness will continue to live on