Wayne E. Dorsett, 90, of Vero Beach, passed away on Jan. 27, 2014.
He is survived by daughters, Janet Gallagher (David), and Jody Pearce (Doug); nine grandchildren, Traci Smith, Scott Lees, Daryl Davenport, Gretchen Evans, David Gallagher, Jr., Michael Chester, Christopher Chester, Matt Chester, Casey Pearce; and 13 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
Dorsett was born on March 31, 1923 in Kirklin, Ind. He spent most of his younger life growing up in the mid-west. He attended Alma College in Alma, Mich., where he played football and participated on the debate team.
Dorsett joined the Army Air Corps during World War II and trained at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. He was a pilot in the 493rd Bombardment Group flying over 30 missions. He continued his support, commitment and communication with the fighting squadron in Savannah, Ga.
After the war, Dorsett was hired by Johnson and Johnson and started his career with Johnson and Johnson as a sales representative. He often laughed and said “I sold Band-Aids”. Wayne’s career eventually took him to the headquarters in New Brunswick, N.J., where he became an executive vice president with the Consumer Products Division.
He met his beloved wife, Evie, in Detroit, Mich., at McKenzie High School. They were married in April 1944 and remained married until Evie’s death in 2012. They had three beautiful daughters.
Dorsett was involved with many charities. He ran the Jim Rochelle Memorial Golf Tournament at The Bay Hill Club in Orlando, Fla. He was an active member of Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, N.J., where he developed his passion for golf. Dorsett continued his love for the game after he and Evie discovered John’s Island in 1975. He frequently played golf at John’s Island and Bent Pine Golf Club. He was also a member of the Vero Beach Yacht Club.
After retiring to John’s Island, Dorsett was involved in many committees and eventually became president of the John’s Island Property Management Group. He also enjoyed playing cards with his friends and always looked forward to spending time with his family. Dorsett was also a member of the Community Church of Vero Beach.
A Memorial service will be held at the Community Church of Vero Beach on Friday, Jan. 31 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception at The Beach Club at John’s Island. Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. A guestbook is available online at www.strunkfuneralhome.com
