Edsel Wayne Beeler

Edsel Wayne Beeler, age 89, of Powell, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at his home.

He was a member of First Baptist Powell and was baptized at Inskip Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN. His faith sustained him through his battle of cancer, and he never lost hope. He was devoted to his Bible Studies and listening to the First Baptist Powell Sunday school and sermons each Sunday morning, no matter where he was.

He graduated from Central High School in 1954, where he played on the first-string varsity basketball team. His friends knew him as “Lightening Ed” and “Skinny Legs.” He was voted “Most Bashful” as a superlative his senior year. He attended the University of Tennessee and majored in Statistics.

Wayne joined the Knoxville City Fire Department in 1963 as Mechanical Operator, became Captain in 1974, and retired in 1998, after 35 years of service. He told his family that he drove fire trucks for twelve years and could get the truck through areas with barely an inch on each side.

He was passionate about playing golf and attending pro golf tournaments. As a young man, he was a caddy at Holston Hills Country Club. He loved playing cards with his friends, family vacations, camping and fishing trips, and traveled to Hong Kong, Canada, Nova Scotia, and a total of 50 states with Gail.

He enjoyed using his tablet to keep up with Tennessee Volunteer ballgames, golf, and news. He worked in the yard and garden each year and in the evening would enjoy his game shows.

Some of his last words were that he loved each of his grandchildren. He was able to spend time with each of them and with his two great grandchildren before he passed.

He is preceded in death by his father, Roy Daniel Beeler, Sr.; mother, Beulah Spence Beeler; brother, Roy Daniel Beeler, Jr.; and sister, Neicie Wyrick.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Gail Beeler; children, Pamela Beeler Truitt (Terry), Julia Beeler Hancock (Roger), and Wayne Beeler, Jr. (Cindy); grandchildren, Rachael Truitt Seek (Dalton), Benjamin Truitt (Savannah), Solomon Truitt, Zach Hancock (Karleigh), Jacob Beeler and Jared Beeler; great grandchildren, Esther Rose Seek and Addison Kate Hancock; brother, Winiford Beeler; sister-in-law, Anna Kay Beeler Bowles (Erby); along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to express a sincere “Thank You” to the staff of U.T. Hospice for their excellent care of Mr. Beeler during this time.

Family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. Friends may visit with the family again on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Powell Chapel from 10:30am until 11:00am, with a Celebration of Life service at 11:00am. Following the Celebration of Life, friends and family will go in procession to Greenwood Cemetery for a graveside service.

Pallbearers will be Benjamin, Solomon, Zach, Jacob, Jared, and Dalton.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com