Wayman Flowers, 79, passed peacefully on June 17, 2026, in the Town of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. He was born on February 3, 1947, in New Madrid, Missouri, to Emma Reed and Lucious Flowers, where his life was shaped by perseverance.

Growing up on a farm with his brothers and sisters, he learned lessons that couldn't be taught in a classroom - hard work before sunrise, responsibility, patience, and respect for the outdoors.

He rode horses. He fished the creeks and rivers of southeast Missouri. He hunted. Long before the Army ever handed him rifle, he had already become an expert marksman.

When his country called during the Vietnam War era, he answered. In August 1967, at the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served with the 5th Engineer Battalion, USATC, 12th Transportation Company. There, the skills he learned on the farm because of military skills. His service reflected the quiet strength, discipline, and dedication that would characterize him throughout his life.

The Army trained him as a Wheel Vehicle Mechanic (MOS 63B20), a Solider responsible for keeping military vehicles operating under demanding conditions. The trucks he maintained carried troops, food, fuel, equipment, and hope. Every repaired engine helped ensure another mission could continue.

His service took him across the Atlantic to Germany , where he served with United States Army Europe during one of the most significant periods of the Cold War. Through his dedication and skill, he earned the rank of Specialist Four (SP4), qualified as an Expert Marksman with the Rifle Bar - the Army's highest marksmanship qualification - and received the National Defense Service Medal of honorable service during the Vietnam era.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge in August 1969 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Wayman moved to Chicago, Illinois, carrying with him the discipline and quiet strength that would define the rest of his life.

He built a long career with Commonwealth Edison, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and dependability. Following his retirement, he answered another calling by becoming Minister Wayman Flowers.

On November 2, 2006, he received a Certificate of Achievement from Let the Healing Begin Now Ministries in recognition of his dedication to Bible study and ministry. During retirement, he also enjoyed traveling the world with his spouse, Dr. Michael Gougis-Flowers, creating cherished memories through their shared adventures.

His children knew him simply as “Dad.” But before he was their father, he was a Soldier. And before he was a Soldier, he was a Missouri farm boy whose character had already been forged by hard work and perseverance.

Wayman was a thoughtful and reserved man found joy in learning and staying informed. He had a lifelong passion for history, politics, basketball, and classic sports cars, and he also enjoyed watching NASCAR, golf, and baseball.

One of Wayman's greatest gifts was his commitment to living a healthy lifestyle and the example he set for his family. He instilled in his children a deep appreciation for history, science, documentaries, and the pursuit of knowledge - interests they carried into their own careers and lives.

He was preceded in death by his spouse, Dr. Micheal Gougis-Flowers.

Though he was a man of few words, his love was evident in the values he passed on the steady presence he provided. He will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, his curiosity about the world, and his unwavering dedication to those he loved.

His legacy lives on not only through his military service, but through the family he raised. His greatest legacy was not the medals he earned, the places he traveled, or the titles he held - it was the curiosity, integrity, resilience, and love of learning he instilled in his children and in everyone whose life he touched.

Wayman is survived by his son, Alexander Flowers (Qisoundra Flowers); his daughter, Latoya Flowers-Rudd (Warren Rudd); his siblings; and a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

Wayman's life reminds us that a true legacy is found not only in what we accomplish, but in the values we pass on to those we love.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered!

Funeral will be held 12:00 pm Friday, July 3, 2026, at Trice Funeral Home Chapel, 127 N. West Street in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Burial: 12:00 pm on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, 8220 Bragg Blvd in Spring Lake, NC 28390.