Bishop N. Wayne Depew, Th.D, 72, Jonesborough, died Sunday, October 1, 2017, following a lengthy illness, and is now rejoicing with his Savior in Heaven.
Wayne was a Carter County native, and a son of the late Elmer Clarence and Lola Cordelia Barnett Depew.
He received his education from Oak Grove Elementary, Happy Valley High School, received his Business Degree from Steed College, his Bachelor Degree from Graham Bible Seminary, his Doctorate from Emmaus Bible Institute and Seminary, and post-Doctorate work from Lee College External Studies.
Wayne was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam War and following nearly twelve years of active duty, with the Naval Reserves for five years, totaling nearly seventeen years of service. During both active and reserve duty, he received several commendations, awards and special achievements.
Wayne was an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God (Cleveland, TN), serving forty-five years in the ministry as a pastor, teacher, preacher and with humanitarian work. He pastored several churches throughout the state including Mountain City, Johnson City, Erwin, Gray, Selmer, Jackson, Kenton, Dayton and Greeneville, as well as Winchendon, MA. Wayne evangelized in Alaska, Kansas and Arkansas, and while in the Navy, he conducted services overseas in various ports-of-call. He directed two local youth camps in East Tennessee. In West Tennessee, Wayne was Kenton Ministerial Alliance President and a mentor to young ministers, as well as the Director of Guiding Hands Preschool. He was District Overseer in Jackson and Kenton. Traveling internationally with Church of God Men and Women of Action, Wayne helped build and repair churches, ministry compounds and orphanages in the Philippines, Honduras, Chile, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, Guyana, Uruguay, Germany, Albania, Ethiopia, Botswana, Nigeria and India. He made two trips to Amazon River villages in Peru with South American Call. Stateside Church of God Men and Women of Action projects he participated in include, a Native American Youth Camp in Aberdeen, SD, Katrina disaster relief in LA, church and parsonage repair and building projects in TN, NC, KY, ND and children’s Christmas parties in Rhea, Bledsoe and Unicoi Counties.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Geneva Dugger Depew, in 1988, three brothers, Bobby, Clarence and Weldon Depew, two sisters, Dorothy Price and Margaret Hurley.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Davis Bailey Depew; his son, Mark W. Depew (Angela), Unicoi; his daughters, Jenifer B. Lingerfelt (Kevin), Tonia B. Elbers (Mike), and Angela B. Riddell (Michael), all of Johnson City; four brothers, David Depew, Carter County, Donald Depew (Charlene), Jonesborough, Ronald Depew (Wyoma), Granite Falls, NC, Bill Depew (Sherrie), Jonesborough; six sisters, Ruth Goodman (Luther), Johnson City, Mildred Phillips (Carroll), Jonesborough, Mary Lee Shell (A.E.), Lenoir, NC, Christine Coleman (Kim), Greeneville, Karen Young (Don), Unicoi, and Jennie Depew, Greeneville; eight grandchildren, Danielle Depew, Unicoi, Brittany Hensley (Cody), Hampton, Brett and Allie Lingerfelt, Luke and Jace Garland, Myah and Eli Riddell, all of Johnson City; two great-grandsons, Braeden and Devin Depew, Unicoi; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; special family friend, Lisa Drout, Houston, TX.
The family would like to extend a special “Thanks” to the staff of the Center on Aging and Health for their loving care of Wayne and support of his family.
The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, October 7, 2017, at 6:00 P.M., from Unicoi Church of God, 508 Tennessee St., Unicoi, TN 37692. Rev. Eddie Blazer, Rev. Tim Hyde and Rev. Eugene Penland will officiate. Special music will be provided by Rev. Alfred and Donna Sizemore.
The family will receive friends Saturday prior to the service from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at the church.
The graveside committal service will be held Sunday at 2:00 P.M. in Roselawn Memory Gardens with military honors being accorded by members of the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Mark Depew, Kevin Lingerfelt, Michael Riddell, Keith Garland, Brett Lingerfelt and Luke Garland, Jace Garland and Eli Riddell. Honorary pallbearers will be brothers, David, Donald, Ronald and Bill Depew. Those planning to attend are to meet at the cemetery.
Those who prefer to make memorial contributions in-lieu-of flowers are requested to do so to Church of God World Missions, P.O. Box 8016, Cleveland, TN 37320.