Wayne Birkhead  (1941-1993)

             Outreach Pastor    Sunday School Teacher     Interpreter for the Deaf     Soldier             

Wayne Douglas Birkhead was born July 2, 1941 in Glasgow, Virginia. At age 17 he joined the United States Army. For 20 years he served our country with pride and honor in the 82^nd Airborne Division, during which time he made over 300 jumps as a paratrooper. On February 14, 1974 while at a training session at Bagdad, Kentucky he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He was promoted to 1^st Sergeant of one of the largest companies in the Army where he commanded 630 men. He retired at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

He was also respected and admired as a Christian soldier by many. Following a call to the ministry, Wayne and his wife Frances served as home missionaries in New York City and the northeastern United States. In 1989 a small group of believers gathered with hopes of forming a new church in Hickory, NC. As the church was without a pastor in the beginning, Wayne agreed to serve as an interim pastor until one could be found. He was the ‘glue’ that held Tri-City Baptist Church together and God used him to start a great work here.

Throughout His life he received many promotions, however he received his greatest promotion while on ‘tour of duty’ in Uganda, East Africa, shortly after seeing over 1200 souls come to Christ. On December 4^th, 1993, the Lord of Glory called His faithful soldier home to the Kingdom which he had served with honor and faithfulness for 19 years.

Pastor Wayne’s approach to life was to set his eyes on the course ahead, never focusing on the obstacles to be overcome along the way. He touched so many lives, he was a good friend to many, and he is greatly missed; but God is in control ……and He gets all the glory!!