Wayne Gerald Koci, 84, of Meggett, South Carolina, husband of Merrylee Musich, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. The family will receive friends Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel. His Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Rd at 11 AM to 12 PM. Burial will follow at Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary, Cary, Illinois.

 

Wayne was born November 8, 1940 in Oak Park, Illinois, son of the late Jerry C. Koci and Millicent Kovarik Koci. At the age of 6 years, his only wish for Christmas was a crystal set so he could build his own radio.

 

Wayne attended the University of Colorado Bolder and became an Electrical Engineer. He was also a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam era and was an avid sharp shooter/gun guru.

 

He worked as a senior Electrical Design Engineer at Chicago Coin Machine Co., as a senior Electrical Design Engineer at Toastmasters International where he designed and patented Commercial Toasters and Waffle bakers used today, and as VP of Engineering at Tabet Mfg. Co., Inc. Additionally, Wayne was a Yacht delivery Captain, a self-taught farmer in Crystal Lake, Illinois (Soybeans & Corn- 200 Acres, 14 years), and a solo sailor & member of the Charleston Yacht Club.

 

Wayne built his own 36 ft. sailboat “Splinter”, left Illinois via a trip down the Mississippi River, and threw away his snow shovel when people began asking what it was. He also solo sailed the Caribbean for several years, solo sailed down the coast of South America, and almost solo sailed to the Mediterranean, but lost a rutter 600 miles off the coast and the Coast Guard had to toe him back to Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

 

Wayne was an avid scuba diver and instructor, an avid skier and instructor (and a member of the National Ski Patrol), and an avid storyteller with a lot humor.

 

He enjoyed participating in Tractor Pull competitions and won many trophies. He was a member of the Lowcountry Antique Tractor and Engine Assciation Club, Ravenal, SC.

 

He enjoyed advanced Photography and photo development, having photographed many launches at Cape Canaveral, FL.

 

He enjoyed Motocross Motorcycle racing, and Motorcycle touring on his Gold Wing motorcycle around the USA.

 

Wayne also enjoyed mountain/rock climbing, building custom touring bicycles, racing his 1962 Corvette in SCAA Road Racing, solving problems, anything science related, as well as working on anything mechanical, auto, machinery, etc.

 

He was a dog trainer and especially loved his long-haired German Shepherd dog named KaMu, who he nursed back to health after an injury crippled the dog’s hind legs.

 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his Sister Adrienne Etters Brouk, Nephews, Jeff Etters & Scott Etters, Sister, Jeri Lynn English, and her husband, Dan English and their children.

 

He was preceded in death by renowned Artist Nephew, Timm Etters and Niece Debbie Etters Schmid.