Wayne Allen Major, age 66, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving mother and devoted sister following a brief illness. Wayne was born on September 25, 1957, to Ralph and Juanita Major in Knoxville, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his father, Ralph O. Major, paternal grandparents George and Anna Major, and maternal grandparents Mandy Katherine and Tecil C. Torbett. Wayne is survived by his mother, Juanita Delores Torbett Major, and sister, Kay Ralphine Major. Wayne was a retiree of the Department of Human Services (DHS), State of Tennessee, with 26 years of service. As a young boy, Wayne was saved at Fairview Baptist Church, Corryton, Tennessee, and was currently a member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee, where he previously sang in the choir, helped teach kindergarteners in Sunday School, and served as a waiter at church banquets to help raise funds for missions. It was in the choir several years ago that Wayne heard a voice tell him, “You need to write children’s books.” He created the character Piddle Diddle, the Widdle Penguin, a registered trademark. Wayne was proud to be a published author of Jan-Carol Publishing, Inc., in East Tennessee. He co-authored five books in the series with his sister. Wayne was a graduate of Gibbs High School and The University of Tennessee (Marketing). He often titled columns written by his sister for The Knoxville Focus. Wayne loved hearing the timeless old hymns and watched several church services each week to hear them. He was also a fan of the westerns and was thrilled to meet Hollywood cowboy heroes James Drury (The Virginian) and Robert Fuller of Wagon Train and Laramie. Receiving of friends will be on Tuesday, April 16, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Mynatt’s Funeral Home in Fountain City (2829 Rennoc Road). A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 6:00 pm with Rev. Kent Williams, Rev. Mark Kitts, and Dr. Mike Boyd officiating. On Wednesday, April 17, family and friends will meet at Mynatt’s Funeral Home in Fountain City at 12:15 pm to leave in procession to Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery, Corryton, Tennessee, for a 1:00 pm graveside service. The soloists are Ashley Boruff and Mike Tipton. Pallbearers are Tim Boruff, Dan Dunkel, Steve Hunley, Jeff Robbins, Dr. Michael West, and Buddy Wheeler. Honorary Pallbearers are Marvin Boruff, Don Hughes, and Eddie Snyder. Wayne was an animal lover and did not want to see any animal go hungry. His family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Young-Williams Animal Center. Condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.
