Wayland Etheridge

♪ THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WAYLAND L. ETHERIDGE ♪

Wayland "Bo" Etheridge, 80, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2023, following a lengthy illness. He was born on December 2, 1942, in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to the late Winfred and Marian Etheridge. He was raised and educated in Norfolk.

Wayland was fortunate to have a career that he enjoyed. For over 40 years he worked as a professional, traveling musician. He was the lead guitarist and one of the original members of the Hampton Roads area band, "The Gentlemen and their Ladies". He and the band performed throughout the United States, and beyond, including Bermuda and Japan.

Wayland will always be remembered as a kind, generous person who loved others unconditionally. His family and friends recall his quiet, caring nature and mild manner. He was exceptionally dedicated to his wife, his children, and his profession. His culinary skills were “on point”! His family always looked forward to his meatloaf and hamburgers. During holidays, he was the “Master Chef” who prepared the turkey and ham that was most relished by all. Wayland was also a brilliant man who could repair anything from automobiles to electronic devices. When he was not working, he enjoyed being in his yard. As an avid gardener he shared his harvest with the neighborhood's rabbits, squirrels, and birds. He was most passionate about spending quality time with his grandchildren and learning the newest technology from them.

Wayland was preceded in death by his cherished brother, David Etheridge (Lucy). Wayland’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Sandra Etheridge, of 63 years, his sons Wayland K. Etheridge (Joann) and Wayne Etheridge, his daughters Allison Hall (Commodor), Tracy Brown (Phillip) and Teresa Etheridge-Eure (Steven). His grandchildren, Alisha Gains Little (Lamar), Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Etheridge (Mayra), Cameron Etheridge (Emma), Kandace Brown and Makayla Brown. God has also blessed his family with eleven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and a sister-in-law— all who adored, loved, and respected Wayland. 

He will be deeply missed.

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