Memorial services for Wayne McManus, 79, of Rayville, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Rayville with the Rev. Rayland Trisler, Dr. Justin Clark, the Rev. Johnny Hoychick and the Rev. Todd Morris officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home in Rayville.

Wayne McManus, a good and faithful servant, was called home into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, March 25, at noon. His life was a testament to faith, kindness and unwavering devotion to anyone who crossed his path. He walked with grace and gave with a generous heart.

Wayne was a strong, loving family man. He was married 58 years to his loving wife, Brenda. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on countless vacations and family outings. His sense of humor always kept his family and friends entertained.

Wayne was a successful and highly respected farmer for 32 years and never hesitated to help a fellow farmer in need. In his early years, he was honored to be chosen as the Louisiana Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year. He had a great passion for farming and working the land. Farming was his true calling. Additionally, he was a part owner of Holly Ridge Gin. He was also a board member of Federal Land Bank and the River Road Water System.

After surrendering his life to Christ, Wayne became a faithful disciple, witnessing to anyone who crossed his path. He would often bring new friends home for dinner and introduce them to the Lord. Wayne and his Gideon brothers faithfully visited Madison Parish Detention Center early every Sunday morning for many years.

Wayne was honored to be elected as a deacon at Grace Baptist Church and later at Rayville First Baptist.

Wayne and Brenda loved their church family and enjoyed participating in all the activities, including a memorable mission trip to Romania, Promise Keepers, Celebrate Recovery, and Wayne was a faithful member of The Gideons International.

He was an accomplished turkey and deer hunter and co-founded the Hunters for Christ organization. One of his favorite places in the world was Yucatan Hunting Club, where he enjoyed family and many lifelong friends. If you knew Wayne, you’ve heard the “stories!” Mr. McManus  was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Velma McManus; siblings, Marvin McManus, Irene McManus, Donnis Taylor, Eugene McManus, Lindell McManus.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Brenda Johnston McManus; children, Tracy Morris (Larry Joe), Tesa  McManus (Monty Russell), Colby McManus (Torie); grandchildren, Natalie McManus, Marigrace Prophit (Brantley), Dylan McManus (Cassie), Cole Morris, Carter McManus (Ashley), Madison McManus, Brantley McManus, Ben McManus; great grandchildren, Zadee Love, Braylin Prophit, Van Prophit, Bowen McManus, Bennett McManus, Carson McManus, Gunner McManus, Adalyn McManus; brother, Milton McManus (Rhonda); sisters, Evelyn Cooper, Darlene Siscoe (Leslie).

Honorary Pallbearers will  be  his  grandsons: Dylan McManus, Cole Morris, Carter McManus, Brantley McManus, and Bentley McManus, and also will include Todd and Neil Walton, Mike Sanders, Gideons buddies, and Johnny Hoychick’s Sunday School Class.

In honor of his memory, you may make a donation to the Gideons International Organization or Rayville Celebrate Recovery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Larry O’Linde and Dr. Kyle Bruyninckx for the wonderful care over the years. Also, the sweet nurses and aides at Elera Hospice and Home Health.

Visitation was March 28 at the First Baptist Church, Rayville.

To leave condolences for the family go online to www.brownholleyfuneralhomes.com