Wayne J. Roller Jr., 64, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Friday, June 2, 2017. He was born June 24, 1952 in Lancaster and was the son of the late Wayne J. and Dorothy (Williamson) Roller Sr.
Wayne was a registered official for over 40 years. He developed training protocol, policies and procedures for new and veteran officials through camps and mentor programs. He officiated 17 State Volleyball Tournaments and 14 State Basketball Tournaments including LeBron James in his State High School Championship. Fought for and implemented 3 person Freshman and JV crews for both boys and girls high school basketball in the Central District, Developed first effective mentor system by pairing varsity and JV crews in both boys and girls high school basketball. He was a former commissioner of the Mid State League and a charter member of OHSAA Certified Assignor Program. He assigned the first female official to officiate a boys varsity basketball game in the Central District and was the assignor for basketball and/or volleyball in the Mid State League, Ohio Capital Conference, Mid-Ohio Christian Athletic League, Central Catholic League and the South Central Ohio League. He assigned officials for high profile specialty events such as Classic in the Country and the Scholastic Play by Play Classic and assigned officials for Ohio Christian Schools Athletic Association State Basketball Tournament. He was an officer of Lancaster Volleyball Officials Association and Fairfield County Basketball Officials Association. One of his proudest moments came when he was inducted into the OHSAA Officials Hall of Fame in 2008.
Although he had many accomplishments, none compared to the love that was shared with his wife, Jackie (Cinquepalmi) Roller; children, Heather (Kyle) Nameth, Kody Jackson, Renee (Rod) Suhr and Eddie (Farrah) Pestian; grandchildren, Zachary and Bentley Nameth and a little granddaughter on the way and Alec and Ethan Pestian. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Harvey.
Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Amanda Clearcreek High School with Pastor Leonard Tippie officiating. Burial will follow in Amanda Twp. Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the A-C High School.
The family would like contributions to be made to the Wayne Roller Memorial Fund c/o Fairfield County Foundation, 162 E. Main St., Lancaster, Ohio 43130 in Wayneâs memory.