Wayne D. Waldroup, 87, of Kingston, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on
Thursday, November 5, 2026, on his 87th birthday.

Born November 5, 1939, in Maryville, Tennessee, Wayne was the son of William
Thomas Waldroup and Mary Jo Waldroup. He was preceded in death by his parents;
sisters, Mary Dell Townsend and Ruth E. Tinnel; and brothers Jerry, Park, James
Michael, Cecil, and Billy Waldroup.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristi McKeown (Marty Rogers); granddaughter, Lexi
Longanecker; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A 1958 graduate of Midway High School, Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy and
proudly served for 20 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Following his military
service, he worked at K-25 and Y-12 until his retirement.

Wayne was a lifelong supporter of Midway High School and its students. As a member
of the school’s first football team, he was inducted into the Midway High School Hall of
Fame. He established the Waldroup Family Scholarship Fund and quietly helped
countless students and families through anonymous acts of generosity. His dedication
to his community earned him the Roane Treasures Award and recognition by the
Tennessee Senate.

Retirement did little to slow him down. To the surprise of many, he took up golf and
quickly developed a passion for the game. Countless hours were spent at Southwest
Point Golf Course, where he enjoyed friendly competition, laughter, and the
companionship of many dear friends. He was also a talented woodworker who enjoyed
creating keepsakes, pens, pencils, and handcrafted items. He loved creating items for
raffle at Midway games.

Wayne especially loved the annual Waldroup family reunion in West Point, Georgia.
Alongside his brothers, he helped create cherished family memories filled with camping,
boating, water skiing, laughter, and storytelling. He and his brother Jerry spent many
hours teaching younger generations how to water ski and sharing stories from their
Navy days together.

Wayne was deeply proud of his daughter, Kristi, and his granddaughter, Lexi. He rarely
missed Kristi’s sporting events and later found great joy in attending Lexi’s dance
recitals and performances, celebrating every milestone along the way.

Visits and calls from nieces, nephews, and friends were always a highlight for Wayne.
He especially enjoyed a Sunday visit after church from Patricia and Ariel, where they
would enjoy a nice day in the front yard watching birds.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Wayne’s longtime friend and
caregiver, Elizabeth Collins, whose son, Sturt was Wayne’s godson. The family also
extends heartfelt appreciation to his nurses, caregivers, and medical providers for the
compassionate care and friendship they provided throughout his later years.

The family will receive friends at Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston on Wednesday,
November 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service with military
honors will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Fairview
Cemetery with Paul Lloyd officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Midway High School.

Wayne will be remembered for his service, generosity, devotion to family, and the quiet
way he made a difference in the lives of so many. Kyker Funeral Home of Kingston is serving the Waldroup Family.