Wayne Hal Rash

Wayne Hal Rash, 91, of Statesville, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Iredell Memorial Hospital, after a prolonged illness.

Wayne was born on August 11, 1935, in Iredell County, and was the son of the late Clyde Byers Rash and Willard Claywell Rash. He was a graduate of Cool Springs High School and continued his education at Mitchell College, before attending Appalachian State Teachers College where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degrees in Mathematics and Education. Wayne proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army from August 14, 1959, until honorably discharged on August 12, 1960, to return to teaching high school Mathematics. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Statesville.

On June 7, 1958, Wayne married the love of his life, Lucy Ball Rash. Together they shared 66 years of marriage, building a lifetime of memories and devotion to each other. Lucy preceded him in death on June 10, 2024.

He was employed at North Wilkes High School in Wilkes County, and Central High School in Statesville, NC, prior to Iredell County Schools consolidation, and taught then at North Iredell High School. He continued his career in education with the Iredell-Statesville Schools Central Office, working in Curriculum Development until he retired. Wayne was deeply devoted to education and took great pride in his work. Throughout his many years as an educator, he touched the lives of countless students, leaving a lasting influence through his dedication, encouragement, and commitment to helping young people learn and succeed. He also enjoyed the hobby of woodworking and built many pieces of furniture for he and Lucy, as well as for other family members.

In addition to his parents and wife, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother Tony Howard Rash.

Left to cherish his memory are 8 nieces, 2 nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews; his sister-in-law Betsy Ball Mize, and brother-in-law Clyde Ball (Lillian), as well as his decades long neighbors, Janice and Gary Mull, and Nancy Garland.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of The Greens at Maple Leaf, for the loving care they have provided Uncle Wayne for these past 3 months while he was there.

The funeral will be conducted on Sunday August 23rd at Troutman Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Rev. Dr. Nelson Grenade of First Baptist Church, Statesville will officiate. Visitation will precede the funeral at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A graveside service will be conducted at Oakwood Cemetery following the funeral.

Arrangements for Mr. Wayne Rash are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.