John Wayne McCardle

John Wayne McCardle passed away at home on December 17, 2024 at the age of 59.  He was born on July 13, 1965 to Johnnie and Delores McCardle.  Affectionately known as "Wayne" to family, he grew up in the Carnes, MS community fishing on Black Creek with his Daddy and playing with his sister and many cousins. 

John Wayne graduated from Forrest County AHS in 1983 and was a proud member of the Aggie baseball team.  At the age of ten, he became a bag boy at the local grocery. He began learning to cut meat at the age of fourteen and became a butcher when he graduated high school. Later, he began working in the oil and gas industry.  In 1994, he moved with his family to Ponchatoula to work at what is now Valero in Norco, LA.  He made many dear friends throughout his years there and later retired from Valero after being diagnosed with ALS in 2016. 

Above all else, John Wayne was a man of faith.  He was a loving husband and a one-of-a-kind Dad and Poppy. Cut from a different cloth that most, he was tough as steel with a heart of gold.  Watching how he loved on Mom and how he talked to God, looking back he sure taught us a lot.  We will miss your kindness, your strength and our conversations.  Life was tough, but so were you.  One day we will feel your embrace again, but even better we will hear your voice again.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 40 years, Tammy Bounds McCardle; children, Logan McCardle (Hayley), Cody McCardle (Kathryn) and Alana Badeaux (Denny); granddaughters, Emerson McCardle and Millie Badeaux. Also survived by his father, Johnnie McCardle; and sister, Debbie Evans (Marty); as well as numerous other family members.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lacey Lane McCardle; mother, Delores McCardle; grandparents, Enoch and Agnes Hartfield, and Alver and Shella McCardle; and sister-in-law, Kim Bounds. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cafe Cafe at Bedico Baptist Church.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation and funeral service at Bedico Baptist Church, 28156 LA-22, Ponchatoula, LA 70454, on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m..  Pastor Jon Gers will officiate with graveside service to be held at 2:30 p.m. at Seal Cemetery on Seals Cemetery Rd. in Wiggins, MS. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.