Wayne Weaver Hitt

Wayne Weaver Hitt, 89, of Morganton, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, peacefully following a rapid decline in health.

He was born in Nash County, on Sept. 30, 1935, to the late Wayne Wade Hitt and Buna Agnes Rollins Hitt. Wayne was the owner/operator of The Camera Center for more than 27 years with it closing in January of 2000. In his younger years, he enjoyed boating and water skiing. Wayne was an officially certified Mayflower descendant who loved old movies, to read, travel, and capture and share the beauty and stories from his camera. After retiring, he volunteered at the History Museum of Burke County for many years. Wayne enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the history of Burke County and the building of Lake James.

Throughout his life, he was active in the community in front and behind the scenes, donating very generously of his time and monetary gifts toward his passions: three of which were the History Museum of Burke County, The Burke County Library archives, and Southmountain Children and Family Services. He loved to travel abroad, having visited 19 different countries and took over thousands of pictures to share with family and friends.

Wayne is survived by numerous close and extended cousins in Burke and Cleveland counties, Georgia, and beyond.

He will be entombed alongside his parents in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. A simple service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the colonial chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, and because of Wayne’s love for history, memorial contributions may be made to either the History Museum of Burke County, P.O. Box 416, Morganton, NC 28680; Preservation North Carolina, P.O. Box 27644, Raleigh, NC 27611-7644; or the Ava Gardner Museum, 325 E. Market St., Smithfield, NC 27577.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.