Wayne Hathorn

Mr. Wayne Hathorn, age 92, of Athens and formerly of Conyers, Georgia, passed away January 31, 2026. Born in Blount County, Alabama, on January 16, 1934, Wayne was the beloved son of the late James Hoyt Hathorn and Oder Blackwood Hathorn. After his mother’s passing when he was just four years old, Wayne was lovingly raised by Ophelia Hathorn, his father’s second wife, who cared for Wayne and his brothers as her own.

Wayne was a 1952 graduate of Susan Moore High School, after which he entered the United States Army serving from1954-1956.   Following his military service, in1956, he married the love of his life Elsie Fowler. Together, they built a family grounded in love, faith, and dedication to one another. That same year he embarked on a distinguished career with Western Electric, where he steadily advanced through various positions. He retired in 1989 as a Communications Estimator, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, professionalism, and integrity.

Wayne was a man of many passions. He took great pride in caring for his yard, enjoyed maintaining his investment properties, and was a devoted UGA football season ticket holder for over 50 years. His enduring love for the Bulldogs was matched only by his commitment to his faith and community. For many years, Wayne was an active member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs, where he served faithfully by assisting with the church nursery.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, James Hoyt and Oder Blackwood Hathorn; Mrs. Ophelia Hathorn; and his brothers, Weldon Hoyt Hathorn and William Eldridge Hathorn.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Elsie Fowler Hathorn; his son, Steven A. Hathorn (Polly) of Conyers, GA; his cherished grandchildren, Sydney A. Hathorn of Decatur, GA, and Paul Hathorn (Emily) of Avondale Estates, GA; his brother, Wendell Hathorn (Kathy) of Florence, Alabama; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and many close friends whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Funeral services for Mr. Wayne Hathorn will be held at 2:00 PM CST on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Chapel of Lemley Funeral Home, 6878 2nd Ave W., Oneonta, AL 35121, with Elder Ricky Harcrow officiating. Interment will follow at Blount Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM CST prior to the service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mt. Moriah Cemetery Fund, c/o Teresa Lindsay, 132 Mt. Carmel Road, Altoona, AL 35952, or Tunnels to Towers, www.t2t.org/donate , or the church or charity of your choice.  

Wayne Hathorn will be remembered for his unwavering faith, deep love for his family, and the quiet strength with which he lived his life. His legacy of service, devotion, and kindness will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Entrusted to serve the family during this time is both J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, Covington, Georgia and Lemley Funeral Home, Oneonta, Alabama. 

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