John Wayne Harold

December 5, 1951 - September 5, 2024

John "Wayne" Harold, 72, of Dayton, Virginia passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at his home after a 6-month battle with cancer.

He was born on December 5, 1951 and raised in Dayton. He was a son of the late Virgil M. and Reta (Hevener) Harold.

Following graduation, he joined the US Navy. He served at Kagnew Communication Station, Asmara, Ethiopia as a communication officer from January 1972 - June 1973.

He was united in marriage to Sharon (Miller) Harold on December 5, 1971. He and Sharon lived in Asmara, Ethiopia during his time in active duty.

Wayne joined Shenandoah Valley Electric as a lineman after being honorably discharged from the Navy. He worked countless outages within the state of Virginia and in many of the eastern states. He retired after 40 years of service in 2014 as district Superintendent in the Dayton Office.

He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church where he served as chairman of the trustees for many years. He and wife Sharon also taught the elementary age children in Sunday School. He enjoyed being able to take care of the maintenance around the church and loved his church family.

Wayne was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at his family cabin in Deerrun. WV. He loved the land and caring for and improving the property. He also enjoyed doing woodworking.

After his retirement in 2014, he found many ways to serve his community of Montezuma with his Ruritan Club, volunteering with Mercy House, Meals of Wheels, the Salvation Army Christmas Project and Habitat Home Repair.

He traveled with his church on mission trips to repair homes in North Carolina for many years.

Wayne never met a stranger and always had on a smile on his face.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his sons, Jeremy (Kristi) Harold, and Josh (Cierra) Harold; 1 brother, Charles (Nancy) Harold; grandchildren which he adored and loved sharing his wisdom and life experiences with, Connor Wayne Harold, Lauren Elizabeth Harold, Everett John Harold and Beckett John Harold; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also, his chocolate lab, Zeke.

He will be greatly missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Simmon and brother-in-law Paul Simmons.

A service celebrating Wayne's life will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Bridgewater United Methodist Church with Pastors Lori Valentine and Bob and Carrie Talbott officiating. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Bridgewater.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com.

In honor of Wayne's memory, continue on with the example he set and his legacy. Show kindness, lend a hand to a neighbor and brighten someone's day with just a smile.

Memorial donations can be made to St James UMC at P.O. Box 137 Pleasant Valley or

Mercy House, 305 N. High St., Harrisonburg, VA 22802,

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater.