Charlie Wayne Dalley

Charlie Wayne Dalley, affectionately known as Wayne, passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, May 20, 2024. Born on November 3, 1933, in Gorman, Texas, Wayne was the fourth of eleven children of Carlton E. Mullings Dalley and DW Dalley. Although he was born near midnight on November 2nd, his mother chose to celebrate his birthday on November 3rd to distinguish it from his eldest brother's birthday.

**Early Life and Career**

Wayne’s family relocated multiple times, but he spent most of his life in Elgin and Austin, Texas. A graduate of Elgin High School, he excelled in various sports including basketball and baseball. After high school, he began his career at the General Land Office. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Oahu, Hawaii. Following his honorable discharge in August 1965, Wayne joined the U.S. Army Reserves, serving until July 1968, during which he worked for a local insurance agent in Elgin. He often enjoyed his lunch breaks at Southside BBQ, playing pool and savoring sausage.

**Later Career and Retirement**

The majority of Wayne's professional life was dedicated to the IRS, where he worked until his retirement. In retirement, he and his wife Linda enjoyed traveling and building stands and displays for a golf store.

**Family and Personal Life**

Wayne was a devoted family man, known for his warmth, quick wit, and dry humor. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, cousin, and friend. He cherished his family and was a true example of a "family man." Married to Linda Faye Dalley for 30 years, he raised four children: Charlsye W. Szymanski, Stanley Evans Dalley, Gayle Erlene Mann Haley, and Meredith Denise Duke.

Wayne had a passion for hunting, fishing, and gardening. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether in his garden with a beer, on the golf course with friends, or walking. His hands were always busy, whether it was woodworking or tinkering in the garage. A man of faith, he attended church every Sunday without fail. 

**Survivors and Preceded in Death**

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, DW and Carlton Dalley; siblings, Sterling Dalley, Eugene Dalley, Alma Garnett and her husband Billy Garnett, Elmer Dalley and his wife Nelawyn Dalley; and his granddaughter, Emma Duke.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Faye Dalley, and his children:

• Charlsye W. Szymanski and her husband, Chris, their son, Nick and daughter-in-law Gwen.
• Stanley Dalley and his wife, Kristin, their children, Heather Davis and her husband Brad, and their sons, Brody and Hudson, Kailyn and her husband, Reagan, Kyle Dalley, Kendra Standiford and her husband, Logan and their son, Wyatt.
• Gayle Haley and her children, Cylest Wolf and Shain Berry.
• Meredith Duke and her husband, John, and their children, James Duke and Lauren Duke.

He is also survived by his siblings, Eleanor McClaferty, Ward Dalley and his wife, Jan, Virgil Dalley and his wife, Jeannie, Kenneth Dalley and his wife, Kathleen, Keith Dalley and his wife, Mary, Diane Welborn and her husband, Rick; along with many nieces and nephews.

**Final Note**

Wayne had a habit of reading the obituaries daily, often joking that he was checking to see if he was in them. Today, we honor Wayne Dalley. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

**Funeral Arrangements**

Wayne will be laid to rest at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on Tuesday, June 4th at 10:00 am. A celebration of his life will follow at the home of Meredith Duke.