Wayne M. Gorby, 65 years old, of Cortland, Ohio died at his residence Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 6:50 PM surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 2, 1944 in Warren, the son of the late Lloyd and Mary Jane Rose Gorby.

Wayne was a graduate of Harding High School and was retired in 2000 from WCI Steel after 30 years of service.

He enjoyed Nascar racing, John Wayne movies and being outdoors gardening and mowing lawns. He loved helping others and will be sadly missed in his neighborhood.

He was a volunteer for the Mecca Fire Department and served on the Maplewood School Board. He had attended motor repair school and was a Moose member of Lodge #1012.

But perhaps, Wayne was best known for his willingness to help his family, friends, and neighbors. He was a handyman who could fix just about anything, and wouldn't think twice about doing so for anyone who needed it. He took pride in his neighborhood, and no one would be surprised to see him mowing up to six lawns in a day. He was a paternal influence to many of his nieces and grandchildren, who all learned how to be compassionate and caring from the life lessons he taught. An emmense hole has been left in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Mary "Jayne" (Kachenko) Gorby, whom he married on December 29, 1992; one son, Wayne Martin (Mary) Gorby of Ringgold, GA and one daughter, Denise (Bill) Galloway of Toluca Lake, CA; two step-sons, Mike (Tara) Shipman of Cortland and Greg (Shelly) Shipman of Mecca; one step-daughter, Lisa (Bob) Kirkland of Mecca; his grandchildren, Katie and Kyle Gorby, Michael, Race, Trevor and Tori Shipman; his siblings Ray (Laura) Gorby of Niles, Ronald (Marie) Gorby of Atlanta, GA, Suellen (David) Lambert of Dayton, TX; his life long dear friend, Dale Bowser; and his dog, Sammy.

Other than his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his son, Gary and his daughter, Sherry and a brother, Bill.

Family and friends may visit at the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home from 2 - 4 PM on Sunday, February 28, 2010 where the funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM; Pastor Ron McIlvaine will officiate the service.