Harold Wayne Weaver

Harold Wayne Weaver, of Amarillo, Texas passed away April 13, 2024.

Visitation with the family will be from 5:30-7:00 pm, Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Westview Christian Church, 6810 Hillside Rd.  Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements are through Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Wayne was born November 27, 1938, in Sweetwater, TX to Woodrow and Lois Weaver. He attended San Jacinto Grade School, and Sam Houston Jr. High where he met his future brother in-law and future father in-law, beloved football coach Bill Teal.  He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1957 and enlisted in the US Navy where he proudly served onboard the USS Mulberry fulfilling his service on February 19, 1966.  He made friendships in the service that he cherished for a lifetime.

Wayne was a learner and instilled this desire for knowledge in his children. He began his college education attending Amarillo College in 1961 where he oddly took a great deal of interest in Archery. This by chance, happened to be the same course Eleanor was taking at the time. He successfully obtained a few college hours at AC. 

After making himself a regular uninvited visitor at Coach Teal’s house, a volunteer car washer, and an ever-present “visitor” despite Ellie’s rebuff, he won the day and convinced her of his Archery prowess. 

Wayne and Eleanor were married on October 27, 1961. He then attended West Texas University and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1971 while participating in the campus veterans' program.  Wayne continued his education and graduated from West Texas University with a Master’s Degree in Psychology in 1976 and in 1988 began the PhD program in Criminal Psychology at Sam Houston State University. He completed all course work, except boards when life’s demands dictated otherwise. 

Wayne is best described as a businessman and entrepreneur. He owned and operated the Orange Julius at Western Plaza in Amarillo for many years starting out on December 22nd, 1976, and the same franchise later on in Abilene, Texas. He also owned the Burger Townes in Amarillo during this time. 

Later, long after retirement, Wayne and Ellie revamped a version of the Orange Julius in the form of the “Orange Squeeze” with a concession trolley and regular participation at Canton Trade Days.  They enlisted/drafted the help of their children, and grandchildren for seven years of monthly adventures, and social time that made many fond memories.  Everyone loved the products and Wayne always took a great deal of pride in providing excellent service. Strangely, everyone always commented on how much the drink reminded them of an Orange Julius. 

Wayne worked at Brown Irrigation Supply in Lubbock in 1961, but his skills were apparently questionable as a carpenter.  

He began a career in Law Enforcement as a Police Officer in Lubbock, Texas from 1962-1964 and later moved to the Amarillo Police Department from 1964-1967.  His work as a police officer was something he often reflected on and was a job that he truly loved.

He took a job at Diamond Shamrock in Cleveland, Ohio, after completing his Master’s Degree. Wayne was part owner of Executone Phone Systems and owned a retail phone shop in yet another venture. Wayne also served as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Carson County and later the same in Potter County. 

Wayne was involved in many civic engagements including, Big Brothers of America, the Chorus of the Woodlands Barber Shop Quartet, and frequently taught the Bible Study at Northside Baptist in Huntsville, Texas. 

In Wayne’s spare time, he very much enjoyed playing guitar, writing, and singing songs. He didn’t know how to read music, but amazingly could hear a tune and then play it on a piano or guitar. He was a teacher by heart, and loved to pass on his knowledge to anyone who would listen. He could debate with the best and win you over to see his side. He was an esteemed chess player and racquetball enthusiast extraordinaire!

Wayne and Ellie were founding members of Westview Christian Church and began regular attendance upon returning to Amarillo in July 2020. Near the end, when attendance became difficult, they continued to enjoy their regular cups of coffee and their personal home Bible studies together finding true assurance in the promises of our Lord and Savior.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, William Teal (who loved desserts); grandson, Jonathan Weaver; and Phil Jordan. 

Wayne is survived by his loving wife Eleanor “Ellie” Weaver of 63 years; his brother, Noel Gene Weaver; children, Scott Wayne Weaver and wife Delia, Patrick Alan Weaver and wife Dalena, Stephen Lynn Weaver and wife Shana, and Holly Barnes and husband Kam; grandchildren, Taran Nichols (Adrian), Christopher Weaver (Meegan), Brooke Ledwig (Rob), Tele Durham, Bailee Weaver,  Logan Barnes (Kati), Ellie Lord (Cameron), Lauren Battles (Kyler), Rachel Weaver, and Anabelle Weaver; great-grandchildren, Aydin, Ryder, Calyn, Weston, Gracelynn, Magdalene, Paige, and Zev; sisters, Mary Hodges (Billy) and Elizabeth Mazola (John); sister-in-law, Delia Teal; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Meals-on-Wheels.