Clyde Dwayne “Dwayne” Hampton, affectionately known as “Diesel and Big D,” passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 53. He most recently resided in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Born on September 15, 1972, Dwayne was a deeply committed husband to Leah Hampton and a devoted father to Landry Hampton and Jessica Pierre Paul, as well as a loving stepfather to Matthew Raynak and Lindsey Finney. He was a proud and loving grandfather, known as Big Papa, to Kayden, Ariana, and Ky, who brought him immense joy and purpose. Family was his foundation, and he showed his love not just in words, but in presence, protection, and consistency. He was also a devoted son to Clyde Hampton and Frances Patterson, both of whom survive him, and a proud brother to Vanessa Hampton and Sean Hampton, a role he carried with quiet strength, loyalty, and deep love.
The world feels a little less solid right now.
Some people move through life with a presence you can’t explain-an aura that empowers, protects, and welcomes without effort.
Dwayne Hampton was one of those people.
An oak tree of a man.
His roots didn’t discriminate. They reached across cultures, backgrounds, and races, wrapping around anyone close enough to feel them. This wasn’t said because his physical body is no longer with us-it was witnessed, lived, and felt by those who knew him.
When Dwayne walked into a room, everything slowed down. You didn’t have to look like him, think like him, or be anything special. He made people feel seen simply by being present.
Strong as hell.
Gentle on purpose.
Dwayne earned degrees in Accounting and Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, reflecting both his sharp mind and his deep understanding of people. His professional life was as dynamic as he was. He was a certified personal trainer, gym owner, and construction company owner, and he carried a lifelong passion for health, fitness, and personal strength. To him, building bodies, businesses, and people required the same discipline, integrity, and commitment.
He was a proud grandfather, and his grandchildren brought him immense joy and purpose. His legacy lives on through his wife, his children, his grandchildren, Team Diesel, and the countless lives he touched simply by being fully himself.
He will be remembered as a man of strength and substance-a protector, a leader, and a steady presence whose impact will continue to be felt for generations.
Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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