Wayne Carlton Buss
February 26, 1941 - February 22, 2014
Inducted as Life Time Member on June 13, 2015
Wayne Carlton Buss, 72, of Bay City, Texas, passed away on February 22, 2014 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born on February 26, 1941 at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas to Rueben Walter Buss and Irene Sklar Buss. Wayne was a graduate of Wharton High School and Wharton County Junior College. He received a Bachelor’s of Business and Accounting from Sam Houston State University in 1964. Wayne has been a resident of Bay City since 1967 when he was employed as the Executive Director of the Department of Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services of Matagorda County. In 1978, he spent two months in Washington D.C. after he was selected by the United States Agricultural Department to revise federal regulations for the rice production program. After 19 years with the ASCS, he resigned and began his banking career at The First National Bank. After 28 years in the banking industry, he retired in 2010 as the Senior Vice President and Compliance Officer for Prosperity Bank Corporation.
Throughout the years, Wayne was very active in numerous community organizations including: The State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee, Industrial Foundation Park, Bay City Main Street Program, and Bay City Country Club Men’s Golf Association. He was a Past President of Bay City Rotary Club, a Past Director of the Bay City Public Library Board, Past Officer of the Bay City Chamber of Commerce, the Treasurer of The Bay City Country Club Board of Directors, and the first Chairman of the Bay City Independent School District Community Education Program. Wayne was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Board, Finance and Stewardship Committees, and the Student Scholarship and Loan Programs.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Beck Buss; daughter, Lynsey Elizabeth Curtner and husband Tiler; granddaughters, Elizabeth “Ellie” Ann Curtner and Reagan Regay Curtner; sisters, Phyllis Jean Reavis and husband Marvin and Sharon Ann Richardson; nephew, Brandon Reavis; nieces, Kate Reavis, Rebecca Richardson and Rachel Richardson.
Wayne loved taking care of his family. He enjoyed golfing and traveling with his friends. He also loved to cook and work in his garden. Everything Wayne did was with love, generosity, and dignity. The Buss Family would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Texas Trio Classic for honoring Wayne this year.