Wayne F. Lakins

Wayne Franklin Lakins, age 83, passed peacefully into eternity on Thursday August 20, 2020 at a local hospital. Wayne battled a brutal pneumonia infection in February resulting in a lengthy stay at LIfeCare Center of Cleveland. He was able to return to his home in July and enjoyed his last six weeks with his daughter and family. He enjoyed watching his westerns and loved being back home so he could see his daughter, Christi and grandson, Kendall. Sadly, pneumonia returned and his body was too weak to fight off infection. He was called to his eternal home with his Savior.
Wayne was born in Grainger County, Tennessee to Woodrow and Anna Mae Lakins. He moved to Cleveland, TN with his family as a young boy. He was a graduate of Bradley Central High School. He was retired from Olin Chemicals after a 30+ year career. He ended his career at Olin Chemicals in a supervisory position. Wayne enjoyed fishing as well as beekeeping and became known as the “Bee Man” selling honey out of his home on Mimosa Drive. He was a member and attended Westwood Baptist Church for many years. He was also a member of the Cleveland Masonic Lodge and the Alhambra Shrine.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Anna Mae Lakins and nephew, Larry Lakins. Also preceding Wayne in death is special brother in law and lifelong friend, Fred Clayton.
Survivors include his daughter and caretaker, Christi (Kenny) Eckstein; daughter, Lisa Center; grandsons Kendall Eckstein and Cody Center and granddaughter Stormy (Julian) Burt. Also surviving is his former wife and mother of his children, Claudia Gray. In addition, his brother, Lawrence Lakins and niece Tami Lakins also survive.
The family would like to thank At Home Primary Care, Home Instead, and Hearth Hospice for their compassionate care provided to Wayne.
Visitation will be Sunday August 23 at Companion Funeral Home at 12pm – 1pm with a graveside service immediately following at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens.