Wayne Michael Mervyn Small

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With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Wayne Michael Meryn Small—a son, a brother, a soldier, a healer, a mentor, a music lover, and a quietly brilliant spirit. Though his journey in this world has come to a close, Wayne’s presence lives on—in the lives he touched, the love he gave, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Born on September 15, 1955, in Trinidad and Tobago, Wayne’s story began with a deep cultural foundation and a thirst for knowledge. He attended Western Boys School and St. Charles RC Secondary School before emigrating to the United States. He graduated from Wingate High School in Brooklyn, NY in 1975, where he proudly ran track and competed throughout NYC.  The same year he enlisted in the United States Army. During his service from 1975 to 1982, Wayne was stationed in Germany, where his worldview expanded even further, embracing new experiences with his signature curiosity and grace.
Wayne called many places home over the years, each adding to the richness of his life: Brooklyn, Newport News, VA, Rochester, NY, Geneva, NY, and finally, Augusta, Georgia, where he lived at the time of his passing.
He pursued higher education with dedication, earning his Applied Science degree from LaGuardia Community College, becoming a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, and later graduating from SUNY University at Buffalo in 1995. At UB, Wayne was a vibrant and supportive figure in the Caribbean student community, building bridges through music, culture, and friendship. In 2012, he was named an ADP Scholar at Augusta Technical College, and became a trained Computer Support Specialist, recognized for both his academic excellence and technical skill.
Wayne’s professional life reflected his commitment to service and care. He worked at St. Luke’s Hospital, served the City of New York, contributed to Geneva General Hospital in upstate NY, and eventually to the VA Hospital in Augusta, where he worked with fellow veterans with quiet dignity and deep compassion.
Wayne had a special connection with his mother, calling her three to four times a day—every single day. These weren’t just check-ins; they were sacred moments—filled with love, laughter, and support. His devotion to her was unwavering, and through those conversations, he showed his heart. His mother was his inspiration.
Wayne also shared a cherished bond with his sister, Robin Cannon, who was 19 years his junior. Though they lived in different states, distance never weakened their connection. Their relationship truly blossomed during Robin’s high school years, when they discovered a shared love for music, the arts, and the joy of simply understanding one another. From that point forward, their bond became something truly special. Their connection was rooted in trust, honesty, and unconditional support.
Wayne adored his family, and he was the one we could always rely on for laughs, with his infectious laugh, a sounding board and a safe space—offering thoughtful insight, patient listening, and the kind of calm presence that made you feel seen and understood. He listened with an open heart, guided with quiet strength, and created spaces where we could fully be ourselves.
Wayne thrived in the vibrant rhythm of New York City and never lost touch with his Caribbean roots. A lover of Jazz, Funk, Dub, and Soca, he was never far from the sounds of a bass guitar or saxophone. He was drawn to live music, the energy of the Caribbean community, and the soul of the city, including Augusta’s vibrant music scene. He also loved long walks, fixing computers, tinkering with cars, and talking politics—often nightly with his father while analyzing the latest on MSNBC.
Wayne was an encourager, a quiet teacher, and a loyal friend. He had a remarkable ability to understand people, to inspire confidence, and to focus intently on anything he set his mind to—leaving no stone unturned. He lived his life on his own terms, with conviction, curiosity, and care.
He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, a wide circle of friends and colleagues, and a community who is better for having known him.
Wayne leaves to mourn his beloved mother, Jocelyn McClendon (Small); his bonus father, Robert McClendon; his cherished sister, Robin Cannon (McClendon); his Aunty, Joyce Bain (Small); and cousins Jo-Ann Felice (Small), Janine McGrowder (David), Kerwyn Bain (Roxanne), Steffan Bain (Sharon), and Damion Bain (Alisha). He is also remembered with deep affection by his special lifelong friends, the Daley Family, as well as a host of extended family members and friends whose lives he touched with his kindness and integrity.
Wayne Michael Meryn Small lived a life of meaning, movement, and music. And though he no longer walks beside us, his rhythm plays on—in the stories we share, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.
Rest in power, Wayne. Your melody lingers on.

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