By james art 
Wayne Carlton “Bull” Durham passed away quietly at his home in Blacksburg, Va., shortly before his 83rd birthday after a battle with metastatic cancer.
Married for over 53 years, he is survived by his wife Catherine Werner and sons Mark (Molly) of Buffalo, NY, Joshua (Monica) of Longmont, CO, daughter Rebecca Todd (Danielle) of Blacksburg, VA and many grandchildren . He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judith, and son, Sean.
Bull was born on November 7, 1941 in Jacksonville, Florida to Roy and Bertie Durham, where he grew up with his older brother, Leon. He went on to lead a fulfilling life with a distinguished career in the US Navy followed by his tenure as a VT Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering.
Bull’s lifetime achievements were too numerous to mention here. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1965, received a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1984, and a doctorate from Virginia Tech in 1989. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970 as a fighter pilot aboard the USS Oriskany and became a Naval Test Pilot. His days flying the F-8, multiple aircraft as a test pilot at Pax River and the F-4 off the USS Forrestal are undoubtedly some of his fondest memories. Bull was a true patriot, “holding colors” on his pylon every morning and evening.
While at VT, he pioneered the study of flight dynamics and is a world-renowned expert on flight control. After retiring from Tech in 2004, he proudly collaborated with his former graduate students to publish two textbooks on the subject. He was instrumental in the development of the Flight Simulation Laboratory at Randolph Hall in the 1990s. He enjoyed a great friendship with many of his graduate students over the years, which included giving several “lectures” at Bogen’s Friday Happy Hours. After his retirement, he always looked forward to the students who took the time to visit.
Bull remained extremely active until his last days. An avid cyclist, Bull spent many happy hours on long bike rides across the NRV. He completed the Mountains of Misery 100 mile race twice, the last at the age of 65! He could often be seen riding his bicycle around town, towing his two beloved Shelties in a trailer. For his 80th birthday, his children gave him an e-bike, which he rode over 10,000 miles in less than 3 years!
He was an inspiration for us to keep learning. In his later years, Bull became a certified HAM operator (after taking all three tests in the same day!) and built his own radios, reminiscent of when he built a console color TV in the 1970s while receiving Heathkit mail – order a TV repair certification course. He voraciously devoured audio books and puzzles, surprising those around him with his extensive knowledge.
Bull’s last days in good health were spent walking around the Hahn Garden with his dog Evie. His family would like to thank the staff for their kindness, especially during this last difficult year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the garden in his memory.
Bull will be buried at sea at a date yet to be determined. No local service will be held.
