Wayne was born on Sept. 17, 1941 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was the son of David Lyre Davis and Martha Dean (Parham) Davis. Wayne is survived by one sister, Marleen Guthrie, of Tennessee. He graduated from Howard High School in Nashville, Tennessee. Following high school, Wayne enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. where he served as a Corporal. Wayne also served in the USMC reserve division in Nashville. Following his service to his country, he went to the pipefitters’ technical school for five years and became a pipefitter in the Tennessee area. On September 1, 1960, Wayne met Martha Jean {Cates } and they were married on June 16, 1961. Wayne and Jean were married for 53 years. Wayne began his career as a steamfitter-welder and also taught technical school for welding throughout the 1960’s. Wayne and Jean were blessed with a son, David Wayne Davis, Jr. and a daughter, Christy Lynn Kruklinski. Together they have six grandchildren: Emily, Alex, Paige, Casey, Honor and Chase. Wayne retired in 2000 from a career with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Steamfitter’s Local # 572. He was a hard worker and incredibly successful throughout his career. Wayne was a supervisor, manager, mentor and friend to many. He provided a beautiful life for his family lakeside on Old Hickory Lake in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee for 25 years. Wayne enjoyed fishing, water skiing and being near the water. Upon retirement, Wayne and Jean moved to Florida and joined a golf and country club. He was a lifelong athlete, playing baseball, football and became an avid golfer with several awards and about 5 hole-in-ones. Wayne could be found everyday on the golf course during his retirement years. His passions in life included his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, his golf and his golf buddies. Wayne never met a stranger and always left the person with a smile on their face. Wayne’s wife now resides in Ocala, Florida. A private “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, the loving care from Hospice of Marion County and the professionalism of Veterans Funeral Care. Wayne Davis was known as a loving husband, a devoted father and the BEST “Grandy” in the world! The family suggests memorial donations be made to any organization that supports American veterans and their families.