Wayne Standifer grew up surrounded by family, mountains, and the spirit of adventure. The youngest of eight children, Wayne was born to H.B. and Hattie Standifer in Cumberland, Kentucky, where his father worked long hours as a coal miner for U.S. Steel Mining Company and his mother held the family together at home. Wayne’s childhood was filled with the simple joys of the outdoors—he loved hiking the mountain trails near home and was rarely seen without his loyal dog, Lassie.

School came naturally to Wayne. At Cumberland Elementary and Cumberland High, he made his mark as an active student, joining the Boy Scouts, Future Teachers of America, and the Beta Club. He was the kind of kid who always seemed to be doing something, whether it was leading a group or pitching in to help.

After high school, Wayne’s curiosity and work ethic pulled him to Louisville, Kentucky, where he spent a year at K.M. White working with wired elevator controls. But the pull of education was strong, and soon he enrolled at Berea College. His family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, but Wayne kept roots in both places—working summers at K.M. White and holding a weekly 10-hour work-study job in the college library. After four years, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

Wayne’s first teaching job brought him back to Kentucky. At Benham Elementary, he spent four years in the classroom and three more as a librarian, all while earning his Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from the University of Kentucky. Those early years set the tone for a career built on service and lifelong learning.

New opportunities called Wayne to Cleveland, Tennessee, and a position at Lee College’s library office. That’s where he met Betty Robbins at the circulation desk. Betty had come from Georgia to finish her own degree in Education, and soon, their friendship turned into something more. They married and began a life together built on teaching, learning, and mutual support.

Wayne and Betty moved to Georgia, where Wayne became a Media Specialist in the Whitfield County School System. He continued his own education at the University of Georgia, earning his Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, and spent 32 years serving students and teachers before retiring from the Georgia Teachers Retirement System.

Retirement didn’t slow Wayne down. He and Betty moved to Chattanooga and returned to Lee University, where Wayne wore many hats: Reference Librarian, Faculty Liaison, College of Education Liaison, and collection development specialist. He devoted another 15 years to the university before retiring for a second time. Together, Wayne and Betty shared 34 years of marriage and over 100 years of teaching experience between them. Wayne himself has dedicated more than 51 years to education and librarianship.

Wayne’s commitment to service has always gone beyond the classroom. He’s a member of City Church of Chattanooga and attends Westmore Church of God, where he’s led youth groups, classes, Vacation Bible School, and served on many church committees. His love of learning is matched by a love of travel—he and Betty explored the Swiss and French Alps, extending the hiking habit Wayne picked up in his Kentucky childhood. He also found joy in music, attending operas and symphony concerts at the Tivoli.



These days, Wayne enjoys reading, listening to music, and being a part of his church community. When asked what he loves most about Legacy Village, he doesn’t hesitate: “All the residents and all the staff are wonderful.” We’re grateful Wayne chose Legacy Village of Cleveland as his home and are honored to celebrate him.