My dad knew Elvis. It was my opening line in a new crowd. My icebreaker. It inevitably led to the story of how, which encapsulates my dad's personality. You see, my dad never met a stranger, and after 5 minutes with him in conversation, you would want to be his friend, too. When the gates at Graceland malfunctioned and dad helped security gather the feral fans and get them back off the King's property, Elvis invited him up to the house for a Pepsi. And 5 minutes later, he had a new friend. They had bonded over fishing the same lake as kids in Kentucky, and over the next few years they would hang out at movie theaters, amusement parks, and Graceland. Dad was never the kind to be impressed by fame and fortune, he just saw Elvis as a regular guy.

As life moved on, dad met someone he was starstruck by, my mom Linda. After hounding her for a few months, mom finally agreed to date him at her granny's urging. Granny knew. Granny knew right away. Wayne was the most giving, selfless, loving man. Perfect husband material. Mom and dad began attending church together, decided to follow Jesus together, and then came marriage - and me. Along with his sons, Bryan and Scott, the family was complete. Dad worked as a house painter for most of his later life. He didn't love the work, but he did it faithfully and without complaint to provide for the ones he loved most. We would often walk through a grocery store and be greeted by several people who claimed to be a friend of dad- people who he wouldn't remember he met, but to them, the short time he spent in their home changing wall colors provided a kinship to a friendly man who they would never forget. As a father, dad was gentle and kind. Not the disciplinarian, in fact I don't recall him ever raising his voice or uttering the word "no." Spoiled, sure, but it was his nature. He would take the boys fishing; he would take me to the donut shop. He would get up on Saturday mornings to make Tinkerbell pancakes and watch Fraggle Rock while mom was sleeping. Always happy, always encouraging, always proud of us. As a grandfather, he was a get on the floor and play toys with, hand-on type. He loved kids- and was the most fun Pa to Erin, Tye, and Alexis.

He would offer a fishing trip to all of our friends, his clients, and church goers. Anyone really. That was his passion. He doesn't have a competitive spirit, saw no sense in board games, so always fished for fun. But he loved watching fishing shows on TV, reading magazines, and tinkering with his lures. Always planning for the next cast. Dad had a servant's heart. Constantly asking if he could get mom something or make a bowl of popcorn for my friends and me. He wasn't one to sit still (although he did love watching TV), and he would rather be doing for others than himself. Part of the agony of the last year was his reluctance to let us take care of him. It was very uncomfortable for him to not be the one helping. Many nurses told us he was the most thankful and grateful patient they'd ever had, repeating "thank you" over and over as they changed his bed or checked his vitals. That's just dad. He loved one another just like Jesus told him to do. And he didn't just do it at the Sunday school he would volunteer at on Sundays, he would love on everyone he came across- and led many of them to Jesus just by being a ray of light in His direction. But above all those he cared for, served, and loved- he loved no one more than his Linda. For 46 years, dad was totally and completely in love with my mother. And in sickness and in health, till death do they part – I know their love story will continue later in Heaven.

Wayne leaves behind a slew of brokenhearted family including his wife, Linda; sons, Bryan (Tifny) and Scott (Jennifer); daughter Holly (Dana); grandchildren; sister, Cindy; and many brothers and sisters-in-law that he cherished over the years. While he will be missed dearly, we know he'll be fishing the lakes of Heaven with his dad, mom, and Elvis until we see him again.

Services will be private.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Wayne Yelton, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.