Anthony Wayne Mahanes, born April 19, 1941, in Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026, in Fishersville, Virginia, at the age of 84.

Wayne was a man of deep and abiding faith, one that sustained him and brought him great peace in his final days. He lived with quiet strength, steady conviction, and a spirit that touched many.

A proud graduate of Madison High School, Elon College, and the University of Virginia, Wayne was a gifted athlete and lifelong coach at heart. At Elon College, he played both football and baseball and was the lead receiver during the 1961 and 1962 football seasons. His love of athletics naturally led him into coaching high school sports, where he became known not only for teaching the game, but for shaping young lives with patience, encouragement, and integrity. He took great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, cheering from the sidelines with the same pride and enthusiasm he brought to every role in his life.

Wayne dedicated 35 years to serving as a teacher and administrator in Virginia public schools, believing deeply in the value of education. Many who crossed his path would later describe him simply and sincerely as "a good man."

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Martin Mahanes of Waynesboro, Virginia; his children, Sandra Deaton Mahanes of Charlottesville, Virginia, Anne Graham Stryhn and her husband Kaui of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Michael Wayne Mahanes of Boykins, Virginia; his grandchildren, Sarah Loreal Stryhn, Carter Scott Stryhn, and Graham Paul Stryhn of Glen Allen, Virginia, and Caroline Elizabeth Mahanes of Boykins, Virginia; and his sister, Madelyn Twilla Mahanes Grove and her husband Gene of Duluth, Georgia.

The family is deeply grateful for the care he was provided in his final months and in lieu of flowers, requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Shenandoah. Donations may be made online through the Augusta Health Foundation or mailed to Hospice of the Shenandoah, c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Hope Community Church, 2910 West Main Street, Waynesboro, Virginia 23980.