Robert Wayne Kneece, Sr., 74, of Newberry died peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at MUSC Columbia surrounded by his family.

Born on June 23, 1949 in Newberry, he was a son of the late Clarence and Mattie Kunkle Kneece.

Wayne is a Vietnam veteran, having served in the US Army, D Troop 2, 17th Calvary, 101st Airborne division better known as "Dirty Delta". He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, where he served on the Property Committee and was active in the Lutheran Men. He was a member of the American Legion Post 24.

In 1972, Wayne married Eve Livingston and promised to always love her, to always be faithful, and that life together would be an adventure like none before. A promise he kept until his last breath.

Wayne had a strong work ethic and was the proprietor of many businesses throughout his life, most notable were the R&W Skating Rink and Kneece's Care Care Services. He believed in the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, and instilled that in his family. He taught them to be grateful for every person who came through the door for they were the reason he could put bread on the table.

Wayne loved his family and was proud of his sons, Robert and Jason, who worked alongside him from a young age. He was a great Papa, and treasured his time with his grandchildren. He could often be found spending time with Coby at Shed 17 or on the pond fishing with Sadie.

He was a prankster, told it to you like it was, and never held a grudge. He could be stubborn and often, just enjoyed the debate.

He was always willing to help others where he could, often stepping in to help in ways both known and unknown. He was a mentor, friend, and role model for many.

Wayne, Mr. Wayne, Dad, Papa was a faithful, loyal, loving person who will be deeply missed. He truly had a heart of gold.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Eve; their sons, Robert W. Kneece, Jr. and Jason Kneece (Amber) all of Newberry; grandchildren, Coby and Sadie; brothers, James Kneece (Barbara) and Jerry Kneece (Janice); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Kunkle; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter, Hope; brother, Preston Kunkle; and parents-in-law, Ned and Sue Livingston.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Matthew Titus at 3 PM, Monday, April 8, 2024 at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Newberry Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 PM, Sunday, April 7 at Whitaker Funeral Home Newberry.

Pallbearers will be Mack Garner, Lee Livingston, Kyle Kneece, Kris Kneece, Billy Kunkle, Kevin Kunkle, Raleigh Hickman, Chad Lominack and Leonard Foster.

Honorary Pallbearers will be employees, past and present, of Kneece's Car Care Services, Rosemary Dominick, Frank Hamm, and Bobby Greene.

The family expresses their gratefulness for special friends, Kathy Riggin and Frank Cannon.

Memorials are suggested to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Youth and Camp Scholarship, 1515 Boundary St., Newberry, SC 29108.

Memories and messages may be shared with Wayne's family here on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kneece family.