Lewis Wayne Mayhew
Lewis Wayne Mayhew
Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather & Servant of His Community
Lewis Wayne Mayhew, Daddy, Poppy Wayne, or Teddy Bear to so many, was born January 11, 1948, to Clarence Lacey Mayhew and Edna Hammock Mayhew and went home to be with his heavenly father on April 24th, 2026.
Wayne spent every day of his life pouring love back into the people around him. He loved fiercely, gave generously, and made sure that everyone in his life knew without question that they were cherished by him. To know Wayne was to be loved by him.
On September 26, 1969, Wayne married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Linda Brooks Mayhew. Theirs was the kind of love that grew deeper with every passing year, a love built on laughter, loyalty, and a lifetime of memories made together. Linda was his anchor, his partner, and the heartbeat of their home. She took care of him selflessly over the last few years.
Wayne gave much of his life in service and protection of his community. He proudly served in the United States Army, carrying that same sense of duty into a career in law enforcement. He served with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Altavista Police Department, and the Town of Chatham Police Department. Whether in uniform or out of it, Wayne was a protector someone whose presence made people feel safe, seen, and cared for.
Those who knew Wayne knew he had a tender heart, pretty blue eyes and his mischievous grin. He was always ready with a tease or a prank for the ones he loved most, because that was his way of saying you matter to me. There was nothing he would not do for another person, and his generosity knew no bounds. There was not a yard sale he didn’t stop at.
In his quieter moments, Wayne was a devoted fan of old movies, classic westerns, and the timeless music of a generation he held dear and made sure that his children listened and watched often, much to their protests.
He was an avid treasure hunter, finding worth in things others might overlook. In that way, he was a lot like the life he lived: always looking for the beauty in the ordinary.
Daddy (AKA Poppy Wayne) is survived by:
His beloved wife, Linda Brooks Mayhew; his daughter, Christy Mayhew Lipscomb, (Jimmie), his “favorite” son-in-law; his son, Johnny Mayhew; his brother, Mark Mayhew (Victoria), his sister in law, Sakiko Mayhew his grandchildren, Ashley Lipscomb Banerjee (Ranjan), Kaitlyn Lipscomb Wall (Raines), and Cole Lipscomb; his great-granddaughter, Rohini Sophie Banerjee; and his bonus son Eric Talken and numerous nieces and nephews who each carry a piece of his memory with them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Edna Mayhew, and his beloved brother, David Mayhew.
Services will take place on Monday, April 27th @ 11:00 a.m. at Payneton Community Church on Payneton Road. Family will receive friends leading up to the funeral at the home of Johnny Mayhew, 121 Whittle Street, Chatham Virginia.
Daddy, you were the kind of man this world is better for having known. You loved without condition, laughed without apology, and served without expectation of anything in return. The gap you leave behind is immeasurable, but so is the love you leave with us. Until we meet again — save us a seat, and maybe, just maybe, put on one of those old songs.
“Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”
