Wayne John Ory

Wayne John Ory passed away on December 26, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on June 27, 1940. Wayne was married to his beloved wife and companion, Charleen C. Ory, for 60 years. He was the proud father of Wayne “Jay” Ory Jr. and Jeffrey David Ory (Mark Francis). He was the son of the late John Davis and Rhea Dufresne Ory, and brother of the late Aubrey, Randall “Randy” (Joann), and David “Puddy” Ory and brother-in-law to Charlie Cox (Barbara) and Charlotte Roussel. He was uncle to Stephnie Cox Triggs (Riley), Rachael Ward, Chuckie Cox, Randy Ory (Lynn), and Rebecca Ory Templet; grandfather to Nicholas and Natasha Francis; and great-grandfather to Penelope and Raphael Francis.

Wayne grew up in Old Algiers - better known as Algiers Point - and graduated from Holy Name of Mary High School, where he was active in athletics, participating in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating in May 1959, he began his career with Louisiana Gas Service Company, where he worked for 22 years, rising from Office Clerk to Manager of Property Accounting.

While working full-time, Wayne attended Loyola University New Orleans City College, graduating with honors in May 1976 with a degree in Commercial Arts and Commerce. He was named Outstanding City College Graduate. During his time at Loyola, he served as President of the Student Union, President of the Accounting Club, and was a member of Cross Keys Honor Society and Blue Key Honor Fraternity. In 1987, he was elected to the Loyola University Alumni Association, later serving as President in 1990 - the first City College alumnus to hold the position. He also helped lead the effort to bring athletics back to Loyola.

Wayne later worked for Entergy Corporation for 15 years in Property Management Information Systems and Planning and Control. He was a proud member of the Blue Knights Men’s Club, Happy Few Social Club, and Westside Fighting 69ers Athletic and Social Club, serving as President in 1969.

Coaching youth sports was one of Wayne’s greatest passions. Beginning in 1960 at Plantation Athletic Club in Algiers, he coached football, winning the Cranberry Football Bowl. He later coached for the City of Gretna Recreation Department and, starting in 1975, coached at Harvey Playground for 22 years. He coached his sons in football, winning Division Championships, and coached baseball, soccer, and track & field, earning Parish titles. He later developed a track program for the City of Gretna that earned numerous Jefferson Parish awards.

In 1993, Wayne served as Administrative Coach under Coach Don Wattigny at Edna Karr High School, where that same year the team won the LHSAA 3-A State Football Championship. He continued coaching with Karr through 1999.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for six years and was Judge Advocate for the Paul E. Boyd Detachment 579 Marine Corps League. In faith, he served for more than 20 years as Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St. John Bosco Parish, later serving also at St. Joseph Parish in Gretna. He was a Life Member of Knights of Columbus Council 1905 for more than 60 years.

After heart surgery, Wayne became an avid runner and later a competitive race walker. He completed many races and six marathons including events in New Orleans, Disney World, and the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., and won the Disney World Half Marathon as a race walker. He was involved in multiple running organizations including the Greater New Orleans Senior Olympics (GNOSO) - where he was Treasurer, Athlete of the Year, and Hall of Fame inductee - Southern Runners, New Orleans Track Club, and Bayou Runners Association. He also served four years as President of the Louisiana Senior Olympics (Baton Rouge) and was inducted into the Louisiana Hall of Fame as an Athlete/Race Walker.

Following retirement from Louisiana Gas Service Company and Entergy, Wayne worked for the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court for 11 years as Coordinator of Court Collections. After Hurricane Katrina, he was appointed Coordinator of Senior Services for Jefferson Parish, serving more than 60,000 senior citizens - a role he often described as the most humble and rewarding of his life. In 2014, he was named a Peoples Health Champion for his service.

Wayne also served the community through the Kiwanis Club of the Westbank, Rotary Club of Westwego, Touchdown Club of New Orleans, and as a volunteer at the National WWII Museum, where he cherished meeting and spending time with veterans. He was a founding member, President, Chairman, and Advisor for the Westbank Quarterback Club, honoring local high school athletes, and assisted with Public Relations efforts for the Theta Golden Ages.

Wayne enjoyed working around the house, gardening, and the companionship of his beloved four-legged friend, Casey, who was always by his side. Above all, he loved his family deeply.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Catholic Mass at Holy Name of Mary Church in Algiers on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 am until Mass time.  Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna immediately following Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Manning Family Children’s in New Orleans.

MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family during this difficult time. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at mothefunerals.com.