CENTRAL CITY – Wayne Lloyd Divine, 80, of Central City passed away Friday, October 13, 2023 at Greenville Health and Rehabilitation. Born June 14, 1943 in Bremen, he graduated from Bremen High School in 1961 where he was a standout basketball player for the Golden Eagles. He attended Western Kentucky University, graduating in 1964, and later earning his Masters and Rank 1 from WKU.
Mr. Divine was a devoted educator, accepting his first teaching and coaching job at Central City High School in 1964. He served as an assistant boy’s basketball coach under Coach Jack Day and later became the head coach of the Golden Tide in 1973 when Mr. Day became principal of CCHS. After one year as head coach, he became the principal at Central City Elementary School in 1974. He served 28 years as principal until his retirement in 2002. His love for education touched the lives of so many students, faculty, and staff during his 38 years in education.
Mr. Divine had a variety of interests. His passion for basketball not only led him into coaching but also a career in basketball officiating. He would referee numerous high school district, regional, and state tournament games along with a stint officiating college basketball. Mr. Divine would go on to become the assigning secretary for high school referees in the 3rd region.
Mr. Divine spent countless hours in gymnasiums watching his sons play high school and college basketball. As “Daddy Wayne,” he supported his grandchildren’s activities which included soccer, Jr. Pro and high school basketball, dance showcases, and softball. He loved the outdoors, especially quail hunting and fishing. He spent time on the golf course with friends and loved spending time in the garden on his farm. When he came inside, there was a good chance he was watching his favorite baseball team on TV, the New York Yankees. Mr. Divine was an active member and deacon at First Baptist Church in Central City. In addition, he was a member of the Lions Club and served on the Central City Municipal Water and Sewer Commission.
He was preceded in death by his parents Hoit and Gladys Divine and his grandson Carter Tate Divine.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years Helen Ruth Divine; two sons Stephen (Shannon) Divine and Brad (Sarah) Divine; grandchildren Hannah Kate, Camille, Broderick, Nash, Jax, and Emma; brother Ralph (Linda) Divine of Frankfort and sister Kay Eades of South Carrollton; sister-in-law Joyce Wilcox and brother-in-law Ed (Lisa) Majors; a niece and three nephews.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City, with Dr. Chase Thompson officiating, assisted by Rev. Kevin Reed. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church Central City Benevolence Fund, Mt. Pisgah Cemetery Fund, or a charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
