Wayne Wesley Hixon
Wayne Wesley Hixon, 73, died on November 14, 2024, at Remember Me Senior Care in Cleveland, Tennessee. He was the youngest child of the late John and Kathleen Hixon, Jr.
Wayne grew up in Rossville, and attended The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for a degree in education/coaching where he wrestled on the team and later refereed matches. Wayne served his country in the Army National Guard in the early 1970s. He then met his true love, Judy Phillips James. They married in 1975 and had two children, Jonathan Blaze and Brooke Allison.
Later in the 70s, Wayne started a mobile truck washing business that he later turned into Choo Choo Truck Wash in Ringgold, in 1982. Wayne’s business acumen, leadership, work ethic and grit grew Choo Choo Truck Wash into a successful 42-year business that he sold in the summer of 2024. Wayne poured his blood, sweat and tears into the truck wash, its success and providing for his family. Wayne and our family are forever thankful for the people who became family (Susan Combs and the late Gary Drake) and the many wonderful employees over the years that contributed to the company’s success.
Wayne was an outstanding athlete and enjoyed playing, watching and coaching sports, especially when his kids were involved. He loved competition of any kind and his favorite activities were - wrestling, fishing, foosball, baseball, bowling, football, ice hockey, church softball, and his greatest game - golf. But, his true passion was coaching and seeing his own children succeed in athletics. He coached both Blaze and Brooke through high school and both were tremendously successful in their sports, baseball and golf respectively.
Wayne leaves behind many loved ones from extended family and friends who were like family. He truly enjoyed family gatherings, traveling to see family all over the country and especially spending the holidays together. Some of his favorite times were telling old stories on one another. There are many family memories of go-cart rides at his Mother’s, hay rides in the fall, four-wheeling in the woods, trying to beat Grandmother at bowling, sledding in the snow, swimming at the house, yard games and more.
Wayne was an avid golfer in his own right, yet often joked he had to keep up his game up to compete with his daughter. He was a student of the game and enjoyed the many rounds he played with friends and family. The strongest part of his game was his putting and he often said, “it’s not how you drive, it’s how you arrive.” He loved nothing more than lining up and sinking a long putt to save par!
Wayne lived a good life, had a family he loved and that loved him dearly. He felt truly blessed. Wayne was a cherished father, beloved son and brother, uncle, businessman, golfer and friend. He worked hard and played harder. He will be remembered as a smart, hardworking, athletic, successful, southern man.
Wayne was a member at Ridgedale Baptist Church and very fond of Pastor Doug Plumlee and other members.
Surviving are his children: Jonathan Blaze Hixon of Chattanooga, and Brooke Hixon Pribble of Augusta, Ga.
He is survived by his sister, Brenda Wiggins of Huntsville; Judy James and family of Chattanooga, and many other friends and family members.
Preceding him in death were his beloved parents, Mary Kathleen Hixon and John Wesley Hixon, Jr.; and his brother-in-law James Edward Wiggins.
Our family is incredibly grateful for the angels on Wayne’s care team at Remember Me Senior Care, Hearth Hospice and Senior Helpers. Their faith-based, family-centered care program is nothing short of amazing. We are so appreciative of the love and care given to Wayne over the last seven weeks. Thank you, Trish, Kaitlyn, Ashley, Cindy, Lauryn and Haley at Remember Me, Rachel at Hearth Hospice and Rachel and Crystal at Senior Helpers.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, Nov. 22, at noon at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Plumley officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens South.
Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until the service hour at Heritage Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, in memory of Wayne.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.