Wayne Benjamin Nunnely

Wayne Benjamin Nunnely (68) of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 16, 2021. He was born March 29, 1952 in Los Angeles, CA. Wayne grew up in Monrovia, CA where he would become a high school football standout. It's also where he would meet his future wife of 39 years, Velda, in their kindergarten class. Wayne received an athletic scholarship to play football at UNLV in 1971. He would later graduate with a B.S. in Physical Education, after which his storied football coaching career would begin. Wayne spent 36 years coaching football, 17 of which were at NFL level. He retired from coaching in 2012 after 3 separate stints as defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, & Denver Broncos. Before coaching in the NFL, Wayne coached at several universities including UCLA, USC, & UNLV. At UNLV, he would become the first African American head coach on the West Coast & only the fifth in NCAA Division 1-A history.

Wayne's memory will live on through his wife, Velda, and their four children Steven, Channing, Amber, & Aaron; grandchildren, Jasmine, Steven Jr., & Alicia; & siblings Bettie & Eddie Jr. He was predeceased by his parents, Eddie Sr. & Josephine Nunnely, & sisters, Jean Clark & Anita Smith.

A burial service will be held on Friday, March 26, 2021 at 3:00 PM at the Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary & Memorial Park, 200 E. Duarte Road, Monrovia, CA 91016. Any flowers can be sent to: Douglass & Zook Funeral Home, 600 E. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016. Due to public health restrictions, only the immediate family will be able to attend the viewing before the service. The burial service will be outdoors & open to all. All attendees must wear face coverings & social distance throughout the service.