On Wednesday, April 27, 2022, Wayne Hitt (Pappy)  Caldwell entered the gates of heaven.  He was born on August 28, 1928 in Little Rock, Arkansas  to Amsy James and Sally Ann Hitt Caldwell.  He grew up in Carruthersville, Mo. and attended Carruthersville High School.  In High School, he played football, basketball, and baseball.  He was on the All Southeast Conference Championship team and received a letter from Georgia Tech to play football for them.

Instead of going to college upon graduation, he and some of his buddies joined the Army.  He served in the Army from 1946-1948.  He was deployed to Japan and actually witnessed General Joe MacArthur sign the Peace Treaty from WW2.

After discharge from the Army, Wayne attended SMU in Dallas.  He was in Lambda Chi Alpha.  He attempted to play football for SMU, but when he saw that Kyle Rote and Doak Walker were on the team he decided to just watch.  Wayne met his future bride, Betty Ruth Dougherty, at SMU.  He and Betty were married on March 23, 1951.  They celebrated their 71 ^st wedding anniversary this past March.

In 1952, Wayne graduated with a BBA in accounting.  After holding various positions in different companies, he got his CPA license and opened his own accounting firm where he helped countless people with their accounting and tax needs..

Betty and Wayne lived in Dallas where they had three children Cathy Lynn, Sandra Ann, and Michael Wayne.   Wayne was a deacon at Forest Meadow Baptist Church and Northway Baptist Church.  He taught Sunday School in the Youth departments of Royal Haven Baptist Church and Northway Baptist Church.  He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan.  He loved to bowl, play Ping Pong, and snow ski.  He was a story teller like no other.  He remembered details from his childhood and dictated, at his daughter's request , Pappy Tells All , Volumes 1 and 2.

Wayne survived two open heart surgeries and he retired at the age of 82.  In 2013, he and Betty moved to Spring, Tx. to be near their children that were living in Spring.    While living in Spring, they joined  The Woodlands First Baptist Church.

Wayne was a giving, caring, happy man that had the gift of laughter and joy.  He had a heart for giving and helping people.  He knew how to make people feel cared for and welcome.  He was a very appreciative person.  He will be genuinely missed by all who knew him.

Wayne will join his mom, dad and older brother, as well as, countless friends that are waiting for him to get to heaven.  He is survived by his wife, Betty Ruth Caldwell; his children, Cathy Lynn Ricchuiti, and her husband Joe; Sandi Ann Lewis and her husband Bob; Michael Wayne Caldwell and his wife Xi.  He is also survived by four grandchildren; Stephen Lewis and wife Laura; Jennifer Lewis and Brian; Tim Ricchuiti and wife Angel; Andy Ricchuiti and wife Katie and he had seven great grandchildren.

Viewing will be May 5 at 4:00 at the The Woodlands First Baptist Church, 11801 Grogans Mill Rd, The Woodlands, TX 77380 followed by a funeral service at 5:00.

Graveside service will be May 6 at 1:00 at Restland Cemetery in Dallas.