OBITUARY: Wayne Caruthers

Mitchell Wayne Caruthers, lovingly known to his family as Papaw, age 84, of Hermitage, Tennessee, was called home on December 15, 2025. He was born on November 22, 1941, in Old Hickory, Tennessee.

Wayne’s journey on this earth was one marked by love and unwavering presence. He was the kind of man who always showed up for his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. No matter the moment or milestone, Papaw was there. His life was rooted in family, and his love for them was evident in everything he did. His passing has left a profound void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by him, yet his impact will forever remain.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Caruthers and Martha Caruthers; his sisters, Linda Morris, Ann Nichols, Roberta Garrett and Jean Smiley.

He is survived by his longtime love and companion, Hettie Marie Oliphant; his son, Mitchell Caruthers (Marletta); his daughter, Julie Hoover (Ed); and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Wayne dedicated his professional life to a career in medical sales and worked as a microbiologist, taking pride in his work and the relationships he built along the way. Outside of his career, his greatest joy came from simply living life fully and spending time with loved ones. He loved being on the water fishing from his boat, hosting fish fries alongside Marie, enjoying good food, listening to music, and sharing stories and laughter. He especially treasured time spent with his family-taking his loved ones fishing, to the wave pool, and creating memories rooted in laughter, love, and togetherness. He was deeply invested in the lives of those around him and had an incredible gift for making an impact on people, always leaving them better for having crossed his path. Papaw always seemed to have a $20 bill in his pocket for the little ones, ready to give with a smile.

Those who knew Wayne will remember him as a light in the world-a man with an amazing personality, a generous heart, and a rare ability to pour into others. He gave freely of his time, his wisdom, and his love, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. To many, he was not only a father, a friend, or Papaw, but the very definition of what it means to be a good man.

Although Wayne’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit, influence, and love will continue to inspire and uplift us. His memory is truly a blessing, and we will carry forward his legacy through the love he taught us, the family he cherished, and the example he set for all of us.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 12:00 PM from the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville, 108 Monthaven Blvd., Hendersonville, Tennessee. Interment will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 1150 Dickerson Rd., Goodlettsville, Tennessee with Jay Slaughter, William Hoover, Chris Pope, Chris Logsdon, Patrick Heath, and Jordan Heath serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held at the funeral home Saturday, December 20th from 10:30 AM until service time at 12:00 PM.

Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville, 108 Monthaven Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075. 615-265-8535, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com.