Wayne Elder

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 Perez, Anslee and Isaiah Miller, and Tori Painter.

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 Mike (Anita ), grandchildrenBrandon (April) Elder, and Kristen Elder and five great-grandchildren, Leland, Lexi, Bristol, Avery Elder, and Jackson Black.

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, his beloved son, Keith, and Sister-in-law Marlene Elder.

A memorial service will be held at Ooltewah United Methodist Church, 6131 Relocation Way, Ooltewah,TN on Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m.

A graveside memorial will be held at a future date in Mayo, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Wayne's favorite charity.