Mr. Martin Wayne “Coach” Fletcher, 77, of Valdese, passed away peacefully at his residence on Thursday, June 11, 2026, following a period of declining health.

Wayne was born on July 25, 1948, in Burke County, North Carolina, to the late Harry Martin Fletcher and Charlene Williams Fletcher. A lifelong educator, mentor, and coach, Wayne earned his bachelor's degree in education from Appalachian State University and later completed a master's degree in physical education at Gardner-Webb University. For nearly four decades, he devoted his life to teaching and coaching, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students and athletes throughout Burke County and beyond. Throughout his distinguished coaching career, Wayne guided more than 2,500 football players and over 800 track and field athletes. He served as head football coach of the East Burke Cavaliers from 1984 to 1994, leading the program to numerous conference championships and six state playoff appearances. Among his many accomplishments, one of the most memorable came in 1988 when his Cavaliers defeated an undefeated McDowell High School team in a landmark victory still remembered by former players, students, and supporters. Beyond the classroom and athletic field, Wayne dedicated himself to serving others. He was a longtime member of Alcoholics Anonymous, contributing countless hours to its administration and organization in Burke County while offering encouragement, guidance, and hope to those pursuing recovery. He was also a faithful supporter of the Disabled American Veterans Foundation and numerous other charitable organizations. His commitment to helping others reflected the generosity, compassion, and servant's heart that defined his life. While Wayne's accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who treasured time spent with those he loved. His kindness, wisdom, humor, and unwavering support touched countless lives. In some of his final words, he expressed his heartfelt prayer that he would one day be reunited in Heaven with all those he loved.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Lee Fletcher.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 36 years, Lola Greene Fletcher of the home; his four children, Kelly Dawn Fletcher of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Lori Ann Fletcher of Valdese, Dwight Wayne Fletcher of Valdese, and Harrison Martin Fletcher of Richmond Hill, Georgia; his two grandsons, Fletcher Kress and Gavin Kress; and his sister, Kathie Fletcher Dellinger and her husband, Eddie, of Drexel.

Wayne's legacy lives on in the thousands of students he taught, the athletes he coached, the lives he helped change, and the family and friends who will forever cherish his memory. His influence extended far beyond wins and championships, and he will be remembered as a man of faith, service, character, and enduring love for others.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at the Drexel First Baptist Church, with Rev. Bradley Browning and Rev. Mike Chandler officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends on Monday, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

Memorials may be sent to the Queen Street Club, 923 E. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to the DAV at www.dav.org

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Fletcher family.