Wayne Ferrell Smith was born on July 16, 1943 to Alfred and Idell Smith in Tullahoma, Tenn.

He was one of the students who attended the (old) Carroll School and Jones Elementary School.

In 1968, Wayne with his family began to attend West End Baptist Church. In July 1968 he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized and began to attend church faithfully and to live his life for Jesus. He loved the church and being with people, he would smile and take time to listen to what they had to say and several years later was elected a deacon in the church.

The Lord called Wayne to preach in 1987. He pastored several different churches and was always available to anyone who needed him for he wanted to see lives changed.

Wayne faithfully attended the Duck River Association of Baptist (foot washing) for many years and loved the fellowship he had with preachers and churches.

He was always ready to travel and went to many states and National Parks. The place most special to him was Israel where he went with a group of Christians from different churches. It was in Jerusalem where Wayne was chosen to preach in the garden where the Tomb of Jesus was located.

Wayne was a family man, he was an example of a husband, Dad and PawPaw, a humble man who loved to laugh at his own jokes, who lived the life of Christ in the family the same as he would in public, always showing kindness, never complaining, having a big smile and hug, and wanting each one to be happy.

Was Wayne perfect? No, just forgiven.

Wayne had preached for many years about Heaven and how one day he was going home to be with Jesus. The appointed day and hour came on June 11, 2025. Wayne passed away peacefully at home. On Tuesday night before he passed away his family was to be able to some time with him and say goodbye.

Wayne retired from Wilson Sporting Good Golf Plant and worked many other places after retirement.

We would like to thank the many people who told us how Wayne touched their lives.

Tullahoma News – Aug. 10, 2025