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

Wayne was born on July 25, 1948, in Burke County to the late Harry Martin Fletcher and Charlene Williams Fletcher. He was a graduate of Appalachian State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in education and completed his studies with a master’s degree from Gardner-Webb University in physical education.

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

Surviving is his wife of 36 years, Lola Greene Fletcher of the home, and four children; Kelly Dawn Fletcher of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Lori Ann Fletcher of Valdese, Dwight Wayne Fletcher of Valdese and Harrison Martin Fletcher of Richmond Hill, GA. Also surviving are two grandsons, Fletcher Kress and Gavin Kress, and one sister, Kathie Fletcher and spouse Eddie Dellinger of Drexel.

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.