Wayne A. Smith

Wayne A Smith was born on September 18, 1960, to Bessie Mae Cunningham in Indianapolis, Indiana. Wayne’s mother Bessie and three sisters Minnie Carroll-Hadley, Barbara Denise Buckner -Wallace and Jennie L. Parker preceded him in death.

Wayne retired from IU Riley Hospital for Children in 2019 after 21 years of service.  During his time at Riley Hospital, he worked as a maintenance tech, singing and painting with the children during and after work.  Wayne’s singing was a healing voice for the children and families.  He believed music was a healing source for all and music spoke to his heart. Wayne also said the children should not have to think about their illness but focus on their healing, by singing to the children they felt his voice brought them comfort.  Wayne’s faith and singing also brought him comfort during his own health concerns. In 2018, Wayne was featured on WTHR channel 13 news story as the “Man Helps Heal Children with his Voice”. Wayne was known as the singing “Maintenance Man.

Wayne was a dedicated Christian and was part of the church choir and singing group that sang many inspirations hymns for weddings and homegoing’s.  In fact, days before his passing he woke up and comforted his wife (Shannon) and family members by singing a spiritual hymn and letting them know he was going to Heaven to see Jesus. Wayne left this earth at the age of 62yrs old and will be missed.

Wayne had a favorite prayer which he held close to his heart, The Serenity prayer: God grant me serenity to except the things that I cannot change the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Wayne leaves behind his wife Shannon of 25 years, mother-in-law Constance Brooks, sister-in-law Mariah Williams. Nephews, Christopher (Meggon) Black, David (Paula) Carroll, Robert Jr (Lashanda) Carroll, Nieces Donna (Paul) Nelson, Tasha and Stephanie Buckner, Cousin Guy Jr (Shirley) West and other relatives and friends.
The Smith family would like to thank the Doctor and Nurses at Methodist Hospital on the ICU 4th floor and a special thanks to his nurses Emily and Morgan.  Thank you to other friends, family and prayer groups for their support and comfort.

In lieu of flowers or cards please send donations to IU Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana on behalf of Wayne A. Smith “the singing Maintenance Man”

A private ceremony will be held for the family only at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park North Cemetery.