Wayne Allen Smith

Wayne Smith - Stat Sheet

Minutes Played (MP) (Longevity)

Wayne was born in Milwaukee, WI to parents Carol and William, on December 19th of 1948. He was the middle son in the family of 3 boys.

On November 23, 2025, with his children by his side, he retired from the game of life and into his permanent position playing for God’s team.

Points (PTS) (Major accomplishments)

He was the founding head coach of the Wisconsin Lutheran College Women’s Basketball Team. It was here that he received the LMC Coach of the Year three times, took the team to the NCAA Tournament and moved the Warriors out of the bottom half of the Lake Michigan Conference.

Wayne sits in the Hall of Fame at Concordia College and at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Assists (AST) (Mentorship, helping others succeed)

While Wayne coached for Wisconsin Lutheran College, he often treated the players on his team as family, from dog-sitting that turned to dog-owning, getting them out of tickets, to giving them a literal roof over their heads, you would be hard pressed to find a thing he wouldn’t do for people he felt fell under his umbrella of protection.

Rebounds (REB) (Overcoming challenges, supporting family during tough times)

There has been no shortage of challenges or difficulties over the years, but through it all, Wayne was devoted first and foremost to his kids. He taught them that hard work, drive, and perseverance would get you through. Even to the end, he would tell them he loved them, he would always be with them, and to “take a deep breath and another step.”

Steals (STL) (Capturing hearts, finding unique opportunities, charitable work)

Wayne’s three younger kids had a habit of bringing home animals knowing that their dad couldn’t turn away a furry innocent. Over the years, Wayne ended up playing an unknowing and sometimes unwilling role in the rescue of several dogs, cats, gerbils, birds, and rabbits.

An unexpected, yet not surprising twist occurred in the early 2000’s when he presented his (now ex) wife Kathy with two roosters that had been dumped at a park in Waukesha County. He provided food and shelter to two feral cats in the area (Whiskers and Clifford) during the same years and encouraged the family to consider them his.

Blocks (BLK) (Protecting loved ones, preventing harm, navigating obstacles)

Taking a step back and looking at Waynes’ life, you can easily see that his entire life was devoted to his family. Additionally, he chose career opportunities that allowed him to serve his community, from the military to teaching to coaching to the Sheriff’s department to working in the Parks, Wayne was a man of service.

His tradition of service carried into the way he raised his kids, teaching them to “look out for the little guy” both literally and figuratively (he was 6’8”) and to stand up for what you believed was right.

Field Goal % (FG%) (Success rate in career or personal pursuits)

Wayne served in the United States Army as an Armorer from 1966 to 1969.

He retired after 20+ years as Captain of Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department.

After retirement, Wayne returned to work as a Lead Park Ranger for Waukesha County Parks.

3-Pointers (3PT) (Major life milestones or surprising achievements)

Wayne attended Concordia Jr. College where he earned his AA degree and earned All-American status while playing basketball.

He continued his education at Marshall University in WV where he participated in the National Invitational Tournament in New York as a Junior and was selected as captain of the basketball team in his Senior year. 

From there, he went on to try out for the Milwaukee Bucks, making it to the final cut before returning to school at UW-Milwaukee where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education.

Wayne was recruited to the European leagues but ultimately decided he would remain in the States to raise his family.

Team & MVPS Family

Starting Lineup: Joy Davis (Patrick Davis); Jennifer Domask (Edward Domask); Abbey Smith; Adam Smith (April Smith); Jacob Smith (Michaela Smith)

That’s right, Wayne has 5 children, pure coincidence that it is just enough for a true basketball team. Each one of his children were born with a basketball in their hands whether they wanted it or not and his two oldest daughters were lucky enough to play for him during their college careers. He was often joined by his sons on Sundays to play with the “old guy’s” league as they lovingly referred to it.

MVPs: Samantha Fox (Samuel Fox); Thomas Domask; Connor Suszek; Anthony Davis; Nevaeha Davis; the late Jade Davis.

Wayne was a devoted and loving grandfather, always wanting to hold them as babies, encouraging them to join in his love of basketball and showing up for them whenever possible. He bragged about the accomplishments of his grandchildren, from finger paintings to college graduations, there was nothing but absolute devotion for his kids’ kids.

The true All Star of Wayne’s life was his dog, Bella. A boxer-mastiff mix who was his constant companion until the very end. It was a rare occasion you could find Wayne without Bella. She is being spoiled and loved by his grandson Connor with support from all of his children and grandchildren.

Coaches & Mentors (Important people in his life)

Dennis Smith (Kathy Smith); William Olson (Sue Olson); the late Paul Smith (Mary Smith); the late Tony Anderson.

Whether brothers by blood or bonded by life, Wayne looked to these men when times were good, when they were hard, and everything in between. 

Final Whistle (Service information)

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held for Wayne on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 11am until the Service of Remembrance at 1pm. All of which will occur at:

Jelacic Funeral Home, Inc., 5639 West Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wayne Allen Smith, please visit our floral store.