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Wayne Eric Gainer, of Milford, DE, died peacefully on 12/08/25, after a long illness.
Wayne was born in Waco, TX. His father's Air Force career took him to CA, MA, AL, and DE. He went to Dover HS (Class of '81). Wayne was fueled by passion for high performance engines in cars, motorcycles, and airplanes. This led him to become an ASE certified auto mechanic.
A highlight of his life was being the pit crew chief for George Alderman Racing in New Castle, DE. That enabled him to travel to numerous East Coast racetracks. After moving downstate, Wayne had a long career at Kent Sussex Auto in Milford, where he excelled at diagnosing a variety of automotive problems, all types of mechanical repairs, and complex engine overhauls.
In his free time, Wayne loved to watch NASCAR and racing movies, ride his motorcycle, read, and play his guitar.
Wayne was a talker and was always ready to tell you about when he met Paul Newman, visited India, and/or how much he loved playing his airplane simulator game on his computer.
Wayne is survived by his parents: Jere and Sharon Gainer, his daughter, Mindy and her children, Mariyaa, Husain, Hasan, Mikiel, and Sarafina, his sister, Tammy and her children, Ashley, Kate, and Elizabeth, his Uncle Barry, and numerous friends who became family.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Scott.
Final arrangements provided by Bennie Smith Funeral Homes in Dover. A Celebration of Life service will be at Southside Baptist Church (4904 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover) on Sat., Jan. 10, 2026 at 10:30 followed by a luncheon.
A private interment will be at a later date at Barratt's Chapel Cemetery, Frederica.
