Nelson Wayne Stewart of Auburn, AL joined our Savior on July 21, 2021, surrounded by family.  He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Earl Stewart; mother, Naomi Ruth Raine Stewart; his grandparents, Francis Earl Stewart, Sr. and Sadie Ree Green Stewart.  He is survived by his wife, Janis Wingate Stewart; his son, Jeffrey Wayne Stewart (Dawn); and his daughter, Gloria Katherine Stewart Lammons (Chris); grandchildren Coleman Raine Stewart (Erin), Ryan Connor Stewart, Mary Stewart Lammons, and Ann Bradford Lammons; and great grandchild Jace Graham Stewart; brother, Jerry G. Stewart (Paula) and sister, Pam Jones.

A funeral service will be held 3:00 pm, Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with Dr. Cory Smith and Reverend Charles Cummings officiating, visitation will be 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm prior to the service. A committal service will follow at Town Creek Cemetery.

A native of Linden, AL, Wayne graduated from Linden High School, attended Livingston University with a major in environmental science, and later did additional coursework at Auburn University. He spent his life in sales, a perfect career for him because he loved talking with people.

Wayne was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.  All of his children, regardless of generation, had his heart from the moment they were born.  Being Poppa was his greatest joy, and nothing made him happier than being with his grandchildren and teaching them about nature.  Wayne was the family protector, and his children always knew that they could go to him for anything.  “Call me if you need me” were words his children heard often, and they knew he would always be there for them.

Wayne loved his wife, Janis, unconditionally.  He believed she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and he told her so every day of their life together.  They joyfully celebrated their 51^st wedding anniversary in March of this year.

Wayne loved sports, the outdoors, and hunting and fishing with family and friends.  He loved to tell a story about fun times, and he could tell a joke better than anyone.  If you called him Tiger, you were one of the lucky ones.

An avid turkey hunter, Wayne loved to hear and interact with turkeys.  To hear a turkey gobble was music to his ears.  It didn’t matter if he ever saw a bird; just to get one to answer him was a great hunt.  When he and Jeff decided to complete the North American Grand Slam, they hit the road like two college kids and set out across the country to Texas, Nebraska, and Wyoming.  They were fortunate to bag three out of four North American turkeys: Eastern, Rio Grande, and Merriam, and Jeff will finish the slam next year with an Osceola hunt in his dad’s honor.   

Wayne loved his family, his friends, and most of all, he loved God.  When Wayne spoke of his life, he would always say, “I want you to know that I had fun and lived a good life.  I’ve gotten to do everything that I wanted.”  Today, we celebrate his life and honor his legacy.

It’s no accident that July 25, also known as Christmas in July, is the day we are celebrating his life.  Wayne loved holidays, especially Christmas. He made sure everyone got exactly the presents that they wanted, and he wasn’t satisfied until the den was completely filled with gifts.  Even then, he always felt there should be more gifts.  His family always knew that Wayne was the best gift they could have.

In lieu of flowers, Wayne’s family requests that you donate to your favorite charity and hug the people you love.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.

www.jeffcoattrant.com