Wayne Nelson

Mr. Wayne "Gag" Nelson, age 87 of Rockwood, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Roane Medical Center in Harriman surrounded by family. He was born on January 21, 1937. He is preceded in death by his wife: Betty Nelson; parents: Clarence Nelson & Nelle Lee Treadway Nelson; siblings: Clarence Howard "Bugs" Nelson Jr (Anna), L.D. Nelson (Sue), and Doris Clayton (Jerry). He is survived by:

Children: Cindy Hurst (Kenny), Phillip Nelson (Meg)

Grandchildren: Christina Trahan (Damien), Joshua Klyce (Sheena), David Nelson (Hannah), Karis Nelson, and Aubrianna Nelson

Great Grandchildren: Cora Nelson, Kaladin Nelson, and Elowyn Nelson

Best boy: Boogie

and a host of other family members, special nephews, and friends.

Wayne was a lifelong Rockwood resident and servant in the community. It was his joy to engage people, make them laugh, encourage them, and help them chase their dreams. Saved by the grace of Jesus later in life, he learned from his own shortcomings and helped others to do likewise. Soon after finishing Rockwood High School in 1955, Wayne married Betty, started his family, and worked as a surveyor for the TN Dept of Transportation for more than 40 years to provide a loving and stable home. He loved unconditionally, sacrificially, and was fiercely loyal to Betty, his family, and his friends. Wayne helped lead student groups at two local churches, coached Little League baseball and city league basketball, and proudly served as a Scoutmaster helping boys advance through the ranks to become mature men. He enjoyed country music (especially Hank Williams, Sr.), a variety of Christian music, and TV westerns. As a sports fan he kept up with the Rockwood Tigers and the Tennessee Volunteers. A committed Christian layman, Wayne loved God's Word and served as a Gideon. He was honored to help start Vision Baptist Church where he was a long-time deacon and Sunday School teacher. He always had a joke or a story. He never met a dog he didn’t like. Wayne was a giver and our gift was him.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 10:00-11:30 am ET at the Vision Church in Rockwood, TN, located at 720 South Kingston Avenue. Funeral service will follow with graveside and interment service after in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood. Evans Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Mr. Wayne "Gag" Nelson.