The journey began on a hot summers' day (June 16, 1951) in Atlanta, GA. Crawford Long Hospital was the birthplace for a nine-pound nine-ounce boy. Wayne was the first son of Shelby and Dorothy Clendening. After three daughters Shelby was overjoyed to have a son.
Wayne grew up in a Mayberry type neighborhood where everyone knew each other. Uncle Charley ran the gas station, Uncle Sam the drug store, Pop Reagan owned the grocery store, and Mr. Caldwell was the barber with the familiar candy-striped pole out front.
Wayne sold newspapers until the age of twelve. Wayne started working in a local grocery store in 1963. The first job was sacking eggs, filling the produce, and keeping the drink machines filled with America's favorite soft drink. The pay was 25 cents per hour to start. Wayne worked all through high school. The hours started from 4 - 9 pm. Then, when promoted to meat department manager at the age of 14, the hours shifted to 7 pm - 3 am with Wednesday being the only day off.
On July 19, 1970 Wayne decided to go swimming with his friends. On his way down the hall, his dad asked where he was going. The response was "I am going to Lake Lanier with Ronnie and the guys." Shelby answered back, "Don't swim out too far. I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you." Those words became the last words Wayne would ever hear from his dad. Wayne returned from the lake to find his father had passed away that afternoon.
Wayne knew he would need to do more to help his mother. He sought a promotion and kept pushing until he received it. The extra money allowed Wayne the ability to replace the funds Shelby was giving his mother each week.
In 1973, Wayne found his way to the altar of the Assembly of God Tabernacle in Atlanta, Ga. He attended the church on and off most of his life but never fully committed to God until that night. He found Jesus. The Journey changed completely and eternally that evening.
Shortly after Wayne auditioned and was accepted into The Golden Stairs Choir which fulfilled a lifelong dream. The choir would often travel to various churches and venues. The choir would often sing and do backup vocals for many well-known Southern Gospel groups.
In 1994 Wayne was driving through Snellville, GA and felt urged to stop and go in a church as he passed by. The urging became even stronger. At that point, he stopped and entered the church. After a few minutes the pastor walked up to the podium and stopped the service. He pointed Wayne out in the congregation and called him to the front. He said, "I don't know you, do I? This is the first time you've entered this church? There is absolutely no way I could know anything about you, correct?" After an affirmation from Wayne the pastor continued "God told me to stop this service for you. He told me to tell you that He has seen all the loss in your life. Your family, your home, your finances are all gone. You even considered ending it all. He told me to tell you not to do it. He will restore everything the devil has taken away two-fold."
Wayne met Angela Smith Dobbins in November, 1995. Angela was in Memphis, TN helping a mutual friend, Cathy, move into her new home. Cathy was going through some of her things and found a picture. She said, "I don't know why I haven't thought of this guy before. He would be perfect for you." Cathy phoned and Wayne made the trip to meet Angela.
