Wayne Gramling, 'Founding Father' of the ArLaTex Chapter, Passes Away

Wayne Morgan Gramling, a founder of the ArkLaTex Chapter, succumbed to COVID-19 on April 19 at the age of 88.

Working with leadership in the Shreveport-Bossier city community, Gramling and a handful of committed individuals saw the value of having an AFCEA chapter. They began providing financial support, leadership and resources to the outreach programs of the newly formed chapter, including monthly luncheons and the annual scholarship banquet where local high school seniors are recognized for their scholastic achievements.

Gramling was born in New York City and earned a bachelor’s of science degree in math and physics from Queens College. Within a few months of graduating and starting a career in communications, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War.

After serving with distinction, Gramling began a career that would span 35 years with Western Electric. His job would eventually land him in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he worked as an Eagle with the Military Affairs Council at Barksdale Air Force Base, giving time and financial support to numerous airman recognition programs.

Gramling is survived by his wife of more than 59 years Barbara, his children Glenn (Karyn) Gramling, Nancy (Jim) Flink, and Sally (Tony) Roscetti; his brother Bruce (Janet) Gramling, and sister-in-law Carolyn Gramling; and four grandchildren: Morgan, Adam, Christian and Kathryn.