Earned a total of 12 Varsity Letters

HHS Class of 1943

Wayne graduated from Holly High School in 1943. He was president of both his sophomore and senior class. He also earned 12 varsity letters during his career. Wayne was the quarterback of the football team, guard and co-captain of the basketball team, and played 2nd base for the baseball team.

After high school and during World War II, Wayne enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served our country for two years as a tail-gunner on a B-24, stationed in Manduria, Italy.

Upon his return from the armed forces, he attended Eastern Michigan University. There he played intramural basketball, softball and tennis. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and later earned his Master’s degree in Counseling.

Wayne taught science and physical education for 31 years at Highland Jr. High in the Huron Valley School district. Throughout the course of his teaching career he coached basketball, baseball and golf. He retired in 1982. Upon retirement, his school honored him by setting up “The Wayne Beckley Award”. This award is given annually to the highest achieving boy and girl in physical education. In 2000, for his many years of teaching and coaching, he was initiated into the Highland Jr. High “Wall of Honor”.

Wayne married his college sweetheart, Jessie. She was an elementary school teacher. They have two children, Pamela and Mark, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Wayne currently lives in Fenton.