GoHorseShow would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Wayne Atchley of Elkhorn, Nebraska. Atchley and his family owned and showed American Quarter Horses for many years and won numerous AQHA World Championships. In 1989, he partnered with with Carol and Dan McWhirter and purchased the stallion, The Invester, who later was inducted into the NSBA Hall of Fame.
Obituary for Wayne Atchley courtesy Omaha.com
Wayne Atchley was born on January 10, 1944 to Sherman Odis and Margie Lee (Shropshier) Atchley. Wayne was raised in Oklahoma City OK, and Littletown, CO. He graduated from Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, CO in 1962. During High School, he enjoyed playing football and was a stand-out wrestler. Wayne married Patricia Sue Reid on September 26, 1964 at the historical St. Phillips in the Field Episcopal Church in Castle Rock, CO. They were blessed with two children: Zachary Reid Atchely and Tisha Sue Atchley. Wayne and Sue raised their family in the Omaha area, including Blair, NE and Elkhorn, NE.
Wayne began selling cars at the age of 18 in Denver, CO at Courtesy Ford, becoming the General Manager at age 27. By age 31, Ford Motor Company partnered with Wayne in the Dealer Development program, and Wayne founded Atchley Ford in 1975. During the last 40 years, Atchley Ford grew to become one of the largest Ford dealers in Nebraska. Wayne loved the car business and was very proud of his accomplishments. Wayne also enjoyed riding and showing horses from a young age.
He was a long-time member of the American Quarter Horse Association and, along with his family, won numerous National and World Championships showing his horses. He was an active member of the Nebraska New Car & Truck Dealers Association; he sponsored multiple Little League Baseball teams; supported many Children’s charities; and was a supporter and booster of the University of Nebraska Sports programs. Wayne enjoyed attending his children’s sporting events, quarter horse shows, and spending time at his mountain house in Colorado. He maintained an optimistic view on life, and will be remembered for his generosity toward friends and family.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sue Atchley; his son: Zach Atchley, daughter-in-law Natalia Atchley of Omaha, and grandsons, Aemilio and Roman Atchley; his daughter: Tisha Atchley of Omaha; his brothers, Gary Atchley, and Darell Atchley of Edmond, OK; and sister, Janice Atchley of Guthrie, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, Odis Atchley and Margie Atchley Blithe; and his sister, Linda Atchley.
VISITATION will be held on Wednesday, February 3, from 5-7pm, at the Reichmuth Funeral Home, 21901 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NE 68022.
FUNERAL SERVICES will be held on Thursday, February 4, at 2pm at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 285 South 208th Street, Elkhorn, NE 68022.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: the Salvation Army; or the Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA), c/o Reichmuth Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent through: www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com REICHMUTH FUNERAL HOMES 21901 West Maple 402-289-2222
