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Country music star Reba McEntire is credited with the remark: To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a back bone, and a funny bone. Wayne Peters had all three. He enjoyed people and having fun, always stood up for what he believed in, and he was always wanting to do better.

Wayne, who was a life-long resident of Stoney Creek, died May 7 at the age of 87 years, and  had a twin brother, Zane, and a sister, Sandra Taylor. His parents were Conley and Lola Peters.

Wayne’s wife, Nora, described him as a “dedicated Christian, compassionate, and an encourager.” She recalls that one of her husband’s favorite means of encouraging people was to share Bible verses with them. “He would write a verse on a piece of paper and give it to the person hurting, grieving, or just needing a boost in their spirit,” Nora shared.

Nora and Wayne attended New Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, where he started out on his journey of faith when young. However, when Unaka Baptist was organized, Wayne became a charter member and served the church as a deacon and Sunday School teacher, but in recent years, prior to his illness, had returned to his childhood church, New Liberty.

Wayne was a 1957 graduate of Unaka High School, where he played sports. In football, he was named All-Watauga Conference for three seasons and played on the first team for two years as an end for the Rangers. He was also the leading pass receiver for the final season of his high school career. “Wayne loved the Rangers and was one all of his life,” said Nora.

Wayne also enjoyed watching UT football and basketball on television as well as other sports, especially racing, “He was also a fan of old westerns, especially those that starred John Wayne,” said Nora.

Wayne was also a member of Dashiell Masonic Lodge No. 238, Elizabethton.

Nora said Wayne had always been a hard worker and provided for his family. His first job after high school was with the FBI in Washington, D.C. After about five years, he returned home and went to work with Red Ball Trucking, a division of ET&WNC, and later joined Snap-on Tools, where he retired.

Wayne also enjoyed doing yard work. “He liked to do yard work and always kept a neat-looking yard,” said Nora. “He was a family person and being mechanically inclined, he also enjoyed fixing things for friends and family,” she added.

Wayne and Nora were the parents of a daughter, Kelly, and a son, Kevin. “He especially enjoyed his nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and often would sit down on the floor and play school and house as well as other games with them,” shared Nora.

He enjoyed his family and spending time with them. He especially enjoyed trips to the beach.

Wayne was laid to rest in his native community in the Blevins Cemetery. His favorite song “Come Morning” was played at his funeral.

Wayne Peters was an upbeat person, who looked for the best in a day as well as others. Even if there were clouds in his day or a storm in his life, he looked for the rainbow or a beautiful sunset. Those who knew Wayne remember him as kind and giving and an upbeat person – traits we all should desire. And, most of his friends enjoyed his wishbone and funnybone, and were encouraged by his backbone.