Birth date: Aug 13, 1949 Death date: Mar 14, 2025
(Luther) Wayne Britt of Fayetteville, Arkansas, age 75, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 14, 2025 at the Willard Walker Hospice Home. He was born on August 13, 1949 in Nashville, Arkansas. Affectionately known as Read Obituary
“By the Rules”
Wayne and I had known each other as casual acquaintances for many years. This changed in 2000. Both of us had retired and we often wound-up on the FCC Practice Range at the same time. One day we decided to play 18 holes.
Since we had never played together, the obvious questions would be: are we going to take mulligans, are we going to play it up or down, are we going to concede putts, are we going to move away from roots and rocks, etc.
So, I asked Wayne the normal question, “How do you want to play?” Wayne’s answer was simple, decisive, and immediate……… “By the Rules.”
And, thus it began………….. 1,000+ rounds of golf…. 36 holes Monday thru Friday almost all year each year. We played in the rain, the wind, the fog, the snow, and once in the ice. We walked the first 18 and then rode the second 18. Since FCC was closed on Mondays, we played other courses. Every February included a week playing in warmer San Antonio with my old college buddies. Wayne became an integral part of our group’s lifelong friendship.
We played precisely by the rules. Even that very first round, I said to Wayne, “Good par on that hole” and he replied, “Nope, bogey…. the ball moved while I was addressing it.”
Our play was very competitive with three bets on each round - a dollar on the front, a dollar on the back, and a dollar for the 18. We made it to single digit handicaps. We decided to not settle up after each round and to keep a running tally. When we finally called it quits years later, we settled up. After 3,000+ bets, we were exactly EVEN!
We got to know each other well. It did not take long for me to understand that Wayne also lived his life “By the Rules”. He lived by a strict moral code which was uplifting to everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. He cared deeply for his family and his friends. I could use many adjectives to describe Wayne, but I’ll simply say, he was an incredibly smart, genuine, warm, wonderful friend.
I will miss him greatly.
Bob Harriell
