Wayne Larry Draughn

Mr. Wayne Larry Draughn, 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Dobson on Saturday, June 13, 2026. He was born May 30, 1932, in Surry County, the fourth of eight children born to the late George Mickle and Sallie Marion Draughn.

Wayne graduated from Copeland High School in 1951 and later earned an associate degree in business from Draughn’s Business College in Winston-Salem. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and, following his military service, married the love of his life, Kay “Katie” Venable. Together, they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1958, Wayne began his career with Sherwin Williams in Mount Airy as Assistant Store Manager. He was later promoted to Store Manager and faithfully served the company for 30 years before retiring in 1989.

Wayne was also a dedicated and tireless volunteer in his community. His volunteer legacy was 29 years of service to the Surry County Planning Board. In recognition of his commitment and leadership, he was honored as Surry County’s Volunteer of the Year in 1999.

Wayne’s most cherished accomplishment was raising his family in their longtime home located in White Plains. He was proud to watch each of his three children grow, earn a college education, and establish families of their own in Surry County.

Wayne was a quiet man whose accomplishments spoke for him and reflected the character by which he lived. He will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband, a brother, a loving father and grandfather, a cherished friend, a hard worker, and a risk taker.

Wayne leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, strength, respect, and love.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Katie Venable Draughn; three children, Dana (Donnie) Johnson, Doug (Carol) Draughn, and Dale Draughn; six grandchildren, Logan (Julia) Draughn, Morgan Johnson, Andi (Max) Schnuck, Claire Draughn (Carson Mounce), Erin (Jacob) Bowman, and Carson Draughn (fiancée, Sydni Coalson); eight great-grandchildren, Liam Vasquez-Johnson, Hazel Draughn, Luca Vasquez-Johnson, Owen Draughn, Olive Schnuck, Henry Draughn, Daisy Schnuck, and Hallie Bowman; two sisters, Patty Thomas and Helen McCormick; and a devoted friend, Reid Tilley.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by four brothers, Fred Draughn, Coke Draughn, Kermit Draughn, and Hal Draughn; and a sister, Beulah Nickens Ferrell.

A private graveside service will be held for the family at Skyline Memory Gardens.

Katie, Dana, Doug, and Dale would like to invite family and friends to visit with them at an informal celebration of life event on Thursday evening, June 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the home of Wayne and Katie Draughn, located at 307 Hamlin Ford Road, Dobson. Friends and family are encouraged to stop by and enjoy food and fellowship, share memories of good times, and spend time with the family as they celebrate a life well-lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wayne’s memory may be made to Piney Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1022, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.