Wayne Fanning

CLIFFORD WAYNE FANNING July 17, 1952 - May 4, 2024

Clifford Wayne Fanning, 71, of Jacksonville FL went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2024, after a long hard-fought battle with congestive heart failure. 

Wayne was born in Pauls Valley, OK, and moved to Jacksonville as a child with his parents, Bill and Ramona Fanning, and siblings Henry, Pearl and John.  He graduated from Englewood High School in 1971 and went on to earn an electrical engineering degree from Cleveland Institute of Electronics. Wayne had a passion for music and electronics.  At nine years old he began playing guitar and became an accomplished player.  He was a natural entertainer and band leader, performing with various groups through his high school and college years.  During this time, he began working at the local TV station, Channel 17.  From camera operating to directing, he did it all and later transitioned his career to WJXT Channel 4. While working at local TV stations, Wayne pursued his true passion for audio engineering through his late night side hustle.  His well-developed skills in recording and producing eventually took him to Nashville and led him to establish a state-of-the-art facility, August Recording Studios.  He grew August Recording Studios into one of the largest studios on the East Coast, earning a reputation as an audio prodigy.  He introduced many cutting-edge technologies to Jacksonville and the entire country, including analog multitrack tape recording, digital recording, various consoles, and satellite sessions.   Exactly as he would have it, the studio was known for its creative atmosphere, featuring world-class electronics, instruments, and acoustics, with tubes and VU meters illuminating the natural wood and stone in warm light. The hallways of the studio displayed hundreds of first place awards and gold records from working with and recording legendary southern rock groups such as Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and 38 Special, to name a few.  Known as the “jingle king,” he worked with commercial ad agencies on major campaigns such as “Heartbeat of America,” “Have You Driven a Ford Lately,” “This Is My Country; Ford Is My Car”, the “Just Say No” campaign with Nancy Reagan, and the Main Street Electrical Light Parade soundtrack for Disney. Wayne spent the latter part of his career working with churches, specifically Faith Christian Center pastored by George Davis, helping direct and grow their online and TV broadcast ministries.  Wayne was a believer and follower of Christ. Wayne had a big personality and often began conversations with a light joke, frequently employing shock and awe humor.  He loved his family and genuinely enjoyed being a dad.  He tried to give them all the very best, spent a lot of time with them, and created opportunities for them to grow in whatever interested them, regardless of the cost.

Wayne’s children from previous marriages are David Wayne Fanning, Jennifer Cline, James Neil Fanning and Christopher Shawn Fanning. Wayne spent his remaining years married and traveling with the love of his life, Barbara, who cared for him through his declining health and was by his side until the very end. Wayne is survived by his wife of 19 years, Barbara; children, Wayne, Jennifer  and Christopher; daughter-in-law Kelly; his mother, Ramona Fanning; his brother, David Fanning; grandsons Gavin and Tyler, nieces and nephew.  He is predeceased by his father, Bill; siblings Henry, Pearl and John; and son James.

 Clifford Wayne Fanning will forever be remembered, loved, and missed by his family and friends.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Fanning family.