Wayne Cahela: Jan. 6, 1965-Aug. 19, 2026

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Wayne Cahela peacefully cruised off into the eternal sunset while surrounded by his loved ones at home. He was 61 years old. Born January 6, 1965, Wayne spent his early years in Boaz, Alabama, navigating life as the only boy among five sisters. He had a slew of aunts, uncles, and cousins, but even with all the competition, there was never any doubt he was Mamaw’s favorite. Wayne later moved to Texas, where he graduated from Tivy High School in 1984. It was in his uncle’s body shop that Wayne first discovered his natural gift for mechanics, mastering bodywork and automotive paint. A fast learner with a lifelong passion for anything on wheels, he carried that drive into every chapter of his life.

Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Pam Compton, on June 14, 1986. They were proud members of the First Baptist Church. Wayne joined his father-in-law’s long-standing electrical and air conditioning business, Compton’s of Kerrville, and continued to excel in the electrical field, obtaining his Master Electrician license in 1992. A very proud accomplishment came in 1996, when he started his own company, Cypress Electric. Though the company remained small, his reputation for excellence grew, leading him to handle significant local projects including the original Kerrville Walmart, the Kerr County Courthouse, Hill Country Youth Ranch, and the H-E-B Foundation.

Beyond his professional success, Wayne’s greatest achievement and deepest pride was being a father to his son, Tyler, and his daughter, Reagan. He poured his heart into their lives, celebrating their milestones and cherishing every moment spent together. His legacy lives on through his children and his expanding family; he was a doting grandfather to Haliah, Addie, Andrew, Kaleb, and Parker. Wayne was also blessed with a large and loving extended family through his children’s marriages. He welcomed Tyler’s wife, Julie, as a daughter-in-law, along with her children: Kain, Juwon, Savanna, Havier, Samurais, Kenji, Leo, Kaizen, Gideon, and Joe. When Reagan married Alex Fields, he was blessed with a son-in-law and with Alex’s children: Abrea and Maddex.

Wayne and Pam divorced in 1998, and though he never remarried, he shared several special relationships throughout the years. With a charm that never seemed to fade, Wayne was a self-proclaimed “ladies’ man,” stating it was only fair to all the women of the world. In truth, his heart belonged to the open road, where the rumble of the exhaust provided a steady, mechanical pulse that cleared his mind and settled his soul.

Wayne was far more than just “Uncle Wayne” to his nieces and nephew: Brandy, Marla, and David. He was a father figure, a partner-in-crime, and a steady source of laughter. They knew they could always count on him, and that deep bond came full circle as they took care of him in turn, providing the same comfort and support he had provided them since childhood.

Beyond his family, Wayne built a brotherhood of friendships that stood the test of time. A testament to these friendships could be seen in the faces of grown men who showed up to pay their respects, their voices thick with emotion as they shared how Wayne had touched their lives. Whether through business or community, he left an indelible mark on his friends, proving that a man’s legacy is often found in the consistent, steady strength he offers to those walking the path alongside him. His business relationships became friendships, and his friendships became family.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Faye Nell Cahela, and his sister, Tami Cahela Brothers. We take great comfort in knowing that as he pulled up to those golden gates, Tami and his parents were there waiting to greet him, ready to see that dimpled smile once again.

He is survived by his son, Tyler Cahela and wife Julie; his daughter, Reagan and husband Alex Fields; his seventeen grandchildren; and his sisters, Charlotte Wilson, Cathy Cahela, Judy Davee, and Rita Oates. He will be missed by all his nieces, nephews, and cousins from Texas to Alabama and Florida; but his spirit will live on vividly through the simple act of sharing stories when they gather.

With the wind at his back, the sun on his face, and an endless open road ahead, his presence will forever be missed, and his absence will be felt for the rest of our days.
The family would like everyone to share in his Celebration of Life in any way that you can. Your stories, photos or contributions will be immensely appreciated; your presence would be an honor.

Date: September 13, 2026
Location: Hill Country Veterans Center
411 Meadow View Lane
Kerrville, Texas

Party: 4:00pm – 7:00pm Throttle out: 6:45pm