Wayne Smith Elder, 77, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, graduated to Heaven on May 26, 2025. He was born on January 29, 1948, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Helen Blackwell Elder and Uris Elder.
Wayne came to Chattanooga from his home state of South Carolina to be closer to his son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Susan Elder. He later married Eileen in 2013 and was immediately blessed with a loving family that included his devoted bonus daughters, Heather (Tony) Perez, Holly Miller, and Hilary Painter, and four bonus grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa Wayne”: Hayley, Anslee, Isaiah, and Tori.
Wayne was a member of Stuart Heights Baptist Church, but faithfully attended Ooltewah United Methodist Church with Eileen—though he often reminded her that he was still a Baptist at heart.
His roots remained in South Carolina, where he is survived by his brother, Jerry; his son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Anita; grandchildren, Brandon (April), and Kristen; and five great-grandchildren, Leland, Lexi, Bristol, Avery, and Jackson.
Wayne retired from the Timken Company in South Carolina in 2003 after 30 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed traveling in his motorhome with Eileen, especially spending the winter months in Florida. A passionate NASCAR enthusiast and a devoted Clemson Tigers fan, Wayne was also a wonderful Christian man known for his kindness, strength, and deep love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Uris Elder, and his beloved son, Keith.
A memorial service will be held at Ooltewah United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m.
A graveside memorial will be held at a future date in Mayo, South Carolina.
A very special thank you to two amazing friends, Dixie Terning and Susan Elder. Without their love, help and support these last weeks I wouldn’t have made it.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wayne’s favorite charity.