Wayne Owens is the original patriarch of the Valdese Recreation Department to many serving the youth in the 1950s to 70s.
Fast forward five eras later, the memory lives on among former and current Valdese citizens in an attempt to renovate the upstairs portion of the Valdese Recreation Center in his memory.
"Our (Valdese) Community Center was our hangout," said David Brinkley in a promotional YouTube video to spearhead the renovation project.
"It was a wonderful place to play and we had good leadership there (with Wayne Owens)."
Brinkley started the project fund by donating $50,000 with the Town of Valdese looking to match that amount.
The renovation project will cost $350,000 as 110,000 has already been raised for a difference of 240,000 dollars needed.
The funded project will include new floors, paint, six retractable basketball goals, bleachers, wall padding, scoreboards, a gym dividing curtain, and a newly renovated lobby.
New Valdese Parks and Recreation Director David Andersen noted if the total funds are met, the project could begin next July with the renovation project completed by the 2022-23 fiscal year.
Brinkley and Anita Bumgarner were former Valdese Tiger athletes playing under Owens and have many long-lasting memories of his days working at the Valdese Rec Center.
"He never had a dull moment and was able to work with everyone," said Bumgarner. "He was a good man, straight as an arrow, and didn't put up with any ridiculousness."
"Wayne was like a father figure to a lot of us," said Brinkley. "He not only taught us (sports) but taught us sportsmanship and how to have character and integrity."
Brinkley added, "He didn't tolerate partiality and wanted to have things done the right way (when coaching)."
Contributions for this renovation project can be made online or by check to the Town of Valdese.
https://www.townofvaldese.com/recreation-1/honoring-coach-wayne-owens/
Make check out to Town of Valdese - Wayne Owens Gym Project
Mail to: Valdese Parks & Recreation Department PO Box 339 Valdese, NC 28690
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