Hobert Wayne Starnes

On January 5th, 2025 Hobert Wayne Starnes closed his eyes on this world and opened them in paradise. He was born on May 20th, 1948 in Kingsport, TN. At the age of 3, he contracted Polio, was separated from his family, spent the next 18 months in an iron lung and a lifetime overcoming the disease's aftermath. Told he would never walk without braces and crutches, he proved the experts wrong - not only walking, but playing ball, hunting, swimming and hiking. He was assured he would never have a career yet retired after 40 years employed in positions which spanned construction, HVAC, retail, lifeguarding, printing, computer drafting and the list goes on and on. Wayne's love for his family drove him to do whatever was necessary to provide for their needs.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Eleanor Jean Frady Starnes, daughter Letitia Starnes Fritz (Craig Julian Fritz), grandsons Gregory Phil Marshall, II (Ashley) and Dallon Jared Fritz (Melody) and his pride and joy - his great grandchildren; Holston Shade Fritz, Abigail Lynne Marshall, and expected soon Matilda Grace Marshall who he wanted so desperately to meet before he passed. He is also survived by his sister Sandra Starnes Williams (Arthur). Wayne counted his nieces and nephews as his own - and there are many. Left to miss him are his lifelong friend Burl Cobb, dear friends Sonny and Sandy Grills, "adopted" son - Todd Godsey and many others. The list could go on and on as Wayne had many friends he counted as "brothers". He never met a stranger, just a friend - some old, some new but always a friend.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents: Hobert Woodrow Starnes, Evelyn Lucille Taylor Starnes Little and stepfather Gene L. Little.

For over 47 years, he was a member of St. Luke Methodist Church where he worshiped and served in any capacity needed. He loved the Lord, his family, his church family, friends and the others that life brought into his path.

A lifetime member of Cherokee Rod and Gun Club, and until recently a member of the Tennessee Christian Bass Anglers, Wayne was an avid outdoorsman. He simply had an abundant appreciation of God's creation and often reminded us that hunting and fishing were not always about the success of the hunt or catching "the big one" but rather tuning into God and all His hands created.

Trinity Funeral Home will serve the family, and Wayne will be laid to rest in Gunnings Cemetery at a private service. A celebration of life and covered dish meal will be held at St Luke Methodist Church, Kingsport, TN with Pastor Tim Hodges, and brother in Christ, Sonny Grills, presiding on Wednesday January 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons, his nephews and great nephews and Todd Godsey.

On December 4th, 2024 Wayne suffered a fall at his home resulting in several cerebral hemorrhages. He was unable to overcome his injuries and came home with hospice a few weeks later. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care Wayne received at Johnson City Med Center by the ICU nursing staff and physicians, as well as Smokey Mountain Hospice for the care provided upon his return home. And we would be remiss if we did not say a very special thank you to all the prayer warriors who have lifted Wayne and his family daily and often hourly from the very beginning. You will never know the difference you made for each of us. Many thanks for all the calls, texts, food, assistance and for just loving us through this ~ May each of you be abundantly blessed as we have been blessed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Luke Methodist Church Children's fund or Help and Hope Food Pantry, a ministry Wayne served for a number of years.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.