Loyce Wayne Tinsley

Funeral services for Mr. Loyce Wayne Tinsley of Bossier City, Louisiana, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, at First Bossier, 2810 E Texas Street, Bossier City, Louisiana. Pastor Brad Jurkovich will officiate. Pastor Brad was instrumental in encouraging Wayne after losing Patsy. He was able to return to church on a regular basis and drew closer and closer to God. The family will receive visitors at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service immediately at Rose­Neath Cemetery, 5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City, Louisiana. Loyce Wayne Tinsley went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 18, with his beloved daughter and son-in-law by his side following a courageous battle with heart disease.

Wayne was born on March 15, 1939, to Joseph Loyce Tinsley and Etta Estelle Butcher Tinsley. He attended Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech University. He excelled in both football and track. He pursued his passion of being an educator and administrator. He held many titles throughout his career. His love of coaching inspired many of his players -not only in the sport of choice, but in life. Sports were always a huge part of his life. His "boys" (athletes) meant the world to him, and he spoke of them fondly until Jesus called him home. He coached pretty much every sport, taught physical education, among other subjects, and retired as Director of Personnel of Bossier Parish Schools. He had a very successful career, but his most important roles were being a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family. Tara, his only child, was his "hero". He spent countless hours coaching her basketball, track, and softball. You would never see Wayne without Tara following right behind him. Family and friends always commented about his "shadow". His staff, students, and players also adored him. He wanted to make a difference in their lives, and he did just that. He spent a lifetime serving others in some capacity. He's often been described as the kindest and caring man they have ever known. He was truly selfless and demonstrated this in his profession and to his family. He cared for Patsy over many decades as she battled multiple illnesses. You would never see him without a smile on his face despite the many trials they endured -and there were many. He never complained about anything. He did what needed to be done. Even in the end, he continued to say, "Everything will be alright". Tara realized exactly what he meant by this statement though difficult to hear. He was right -as always. He was telling her in his own way that he was ready to join Jesus and Patsy and all those who have gone before him.

Wayne was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of sixty-one years, Patsy Taylor Tinsley; parents, Joseph Loyce Tinsley and Etta Estelle Butcher Tinsley, both of Ruston, Louisiana; and sister, Marjorie Tinsley Vogt of Ferriday, Louisiana. He is survived by his daughter, Tara Tinsley Diehl, and husband, J. Diehl of Bossier City, Louisiana; one granddaughter, "the apple of his eye", Jordan Taylor Diehl of Bossier City, Louisiana; and sister, Bobbye Tinsley Dollar of Natchez, Mississippi.

Honoring Wayne as pallbearers will be Robbie Dollar, Woody Dollar, Pat Vogt, Shannon Vogt, Mitch Downey, and Mike McConathy. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Leo Sanford and Billy Grisham.

The family would like to thank the staff at Willis-Knighton Medical Center Pierremont, the Carpenter House, and a special thanks to Dr. Mike Sewell for leading us through ...... again. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Gerald Russell, who went above and beyond while sitting with him. Gerald would listen to his stories and read the Bible to him.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials may be made to an organization of your choice.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearance.  2 Timothy 4:7-8

Life's Journey

Daylight breaks and two hearts become one,

Young in life and full of love.

Choosing a path of service and academics,

Coaching young one's life commitments.

Early morning brings a gift of delight, Welcoming a daughter into life's light.

From swim lessons to softball and rodeos into the night, A father's presence, love, and support a beacon of light.

As the sun sets answering God's call,

We here will miss a great man to all.

                                      Written by J. Diehl