February 20, 2026, 62, Kinston – John Wayne Quinn, 62, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. Wayne was born in Lenoir County to the late Garland Lee Quinn and Nancy Stafford Quinn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Kelvin Lee Quinn and Charles Ray Quinn.
Wayne honorably served his country in the United States Army in the early 1980’s and later worked as a guard in the prison system. Ever patriotic and into politics, his television was always tuned to the news. Knowing the ins and outs of what was going on in our country and around the world, he freely shared his opinion on matters with anyone that would listen.
True to his raising, Wayne was a cat lover and a Tar Heel Fan. From his youth to his last days, his heart bled Tar Heel blue and he pulled for his team during highs and droughts. An athlete himself, he was an exceptional baseball player in his younger years. In later years, he continued his love of the sport by watching games on television.
With an easygoing personality, yet set in his ways, Wayne loved his children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. Though nothing could compare to his love of family, his love for a cold Pepsi Cola was surely number two.
Wayne is survived by his children, Blake Herring and wife, Kelly; Kelly Hardy and husband, Blake; and Cassie Johnson and husband, Ryan; grandchildren, Anberlee Johnson, Scarlett Hardy, Peyton Herring, Carson Herring, and soon-to-arrive Baylor Hardy; sister, Karen Quinn DeBruhl and fiancé, Jeff Davis; nieces and nephews, Michelle Quinn Gomes, Kelvin Lee Quinn Jr., Garrett Quinn DeBruhl, Landon Ray DeBruhl, MacKenzie Rae DeBruhl, and Caroline Elizabeth DeBruhl.
The family will receive friends for a time of visitation on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Wayne’s memory to the Lenoir County SPCA, P.O. Box 1481, Kinston, NC 28503.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
