November 7, 1943 ~ July 11, 2026 (age 82)

Papa Wayne, born Troy Wayne Roberts on November 7, 1943, was the only son of Troy and Mary Roberts. Raised on his family’s farm in Rutledge, Tennessee, alongside his beloved grandmother, Hattie Mae, Wayne learned the values of hard work and family early on. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Avondale Baptist Church in Rutledge, Tennessee at the age of 11. A bright and driven young man, he graduated from Rutledge High School in 1961 and flew through Carson-Newman College, earning his bachelor’s degree in business in just three years. It was during his high school days that he met the love of his life, Cora Jean Dalton. The high school sweethearts married on May 17, 1964, beginning a beautiful life together. After a brief move to LaFayette, Georgia, where Wayne got his start in radio, the couple returned home to East Tennessee. Settling in Jefferson City, they built their forever home in the Forrest Hills Subdivision and raised three children: Trevor, Treva, and Treca. Wayne was a man of many talents and deep community roots. For decades, he was a familiar voice and leader at WJFC radio, serving as station manager and part-owner. Later, he channeled his creative eye into a second career as a private family photographer. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he brought joy to thousands of families as a train conductor at Dollywood before retiring in 2006—though his love for the airwaves eventually drew him back to work part-time at WMTN in Morristown. Music was the heartbeat of Wayne’s life. A gifted multi-instrumentalist, he played the guitar, bass, piano, and organ. Whether he was playing in gospel quartets, performing at campgrounds, participating in worship as a musician at his home church, Community Fellowship in Christ, or jamming in the family band, his music brought people together. When he wasn’t playing music, Wayne loved camping, traveling across the United States, and making magical memories at Walt Disney World. Above all, Wayne treasured his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Cora Jean Dalton Roberts; his son and daughter-in-law, Trevor and Lori Roberts; his daughter and son-in-law, Treva and Scott Ogle; his beloved grandchildren, Mitchell Russell (Amber), Kristiana Hamilton (Skylar), Kayleigh Roberts, Jenna Roberts, Lilliana Roberts, and Emma Ogle; and his cherished great-grandson, Wylder Brown Hamilton and extended family. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Mary Roberts, his grandparents, Elias and Hattie Mae Roberts, Harrison and Martha Griffin, and his beloved daughter, Treca Roberts Russell. A graveside service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens with Rev. Mark Abernathy officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Fellowship in Christ Building Fund, 515 Lakeshore Rd, Talbott, Tennessee. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.