Wayne Ellis Greene

Wayne Ellis Greene, age 77, of 114 Clearview Street, Gray, TN, may have left his earthly home on June 9, 2016, but heaven certainly welcomed an extraordinary born again believer into the pearly gates. Known to many as "Pahpa," or perhaps referred to affectionately by others as "Wayne the Pain," we can't guarantee that he was in angel attire upon arrival... for you just never knew what he was going to show up in (likely denim on denim), and he might even have tried to drive some type of fancy lawn mower with a cool wagon attached or extra headlights rigged up through the gates. Hardee's has indeed lost a faithful customer, but we are certain that his parents Roy H. Sr. and Hester and his siblings Roy, Elmer, Gerald, and Thelma greeted him with open arms. He is probably mowing alongside the streets of gold as we speak because singing in the heavenly choir might not be the best option. Although, he did have a lovely rendition of The Lion Sleeps Tonight, singing multiple parts. Wayne Greene, born August 9, 1938, in the sleepy little town of Seymour, TN, was one of the most intelligent men a person could encounter. His educational credentials include graduating from Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy in 1956. He then achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class, proudly serving three years in the United States Army teaching Radar Maintenance. Following his military service, he graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He was employed by Eastman Chemical Company for 43 years, retiring as Coordinator of Corporate Identity. Not to mention, he could work the daily crossword puzzle faster than anyone around and could possibly give Alex Trebek a run for his money on Jeopardy! We've written several different versions of this obituary because we know that he was the best editor around, and truly, nothing we could write would do a man of his caliber justice. We just hope there are no red marking pens in heaven. A man of such intelligence could only make such a wise decision as to marry his high school sweetheart and perhaps the greatest woman around, Shirley Maggart Greene. In sickness and in health, she has been by his side for 56 years. Together they raised three amazing children who all chose amazing spouses: Clark and Katie Greene of Knoxville, Todd and Suzanne Greene Gray, and Kenny and Alicia Johnson of Murfreesboro. In truth, these children were only thought to be amazing until the grandchildren came along... especially the grandson, Andrew Greene. You see, there's a whole slew of granddaughters, but there is only one grandson. That grandson is the one who gave him the name "Pahpa." He was the first grandchild, and he stole the show. (None of us are jealous; we just egg it on!) The grandchildren's names were embroidered on hats and even on the beloved denim shirt. Andrew, Kelsey, Amanda, Aleah, Macey, Makenzie, Madison, and McKenna. Special arrangements and new embroidery was required when Andrew married sweet Madeline and when we took a vote and unanimously agreed that Kalen and Kara were officially grandkids too. Wayne is also survived by one forever faithful brother, Joseph (Joe) and his wife Dot Greene of Kingsport; sisters-n-law: Betty, Jayne, and Judy; several nieces and nephews, as well as many other loved ones and friends. The family would like to express a special thank you to Mountain States Hospice Care Team, especially Claire and Laura. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM on Sunday, June 12, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 396 Oak Grove Road, Gray, TN, with the funeral service to follow officiated by Reverend Toonie Cash with Reverend Sherrel Nave assisting. Family and friends will meet Monday at 11:15 a.m. at Sherwood Memorial Gardens, 3176 Airport Highway, Alcoa, TN, for an 11:30 a.m. military graveside service officiated by Reverend Scott Hood. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Harrison Chilhowee Baptist Academy, 202 Smothers Road Seymour, TN 37865. Condolences may be offered through Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Gardens. I suppose you may think this isn't your ordinary obituary. That is fine. You see... Our Pahpa... He wasn't an ordinary man....he was extraordinary. He told me not so long ago, "Live how you want to be remembered." How do you want to be remembered?