Wayne Ellington Obituary

Virgil "Wayne" Ellington, age 75, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital in Columbia, Mo.
Wayne was born on February 13, 1950, in Oklahoma, the son of the late Roy and Evelyn (Weehunt) Ellington. His family relocated to the state of California when he was in kindergarten, and he graduated from Delano High School in 1968. Meeting through mutual friends, he was united in marriage on December 27, 1996, to Sandra Faye "Sandy" Kelley in Bolivar, Tn., building a beautiful life grounded in love, devotion, and adventure.
Shortly after graduating high school, Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam Era. He achieved the rank of E-5 and spent much of his service aboard the USS Hollister, working in the boiler room. In recognition of his dedication, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, and other commendations. He was honorably discharged in August 1975 and remained a proud U.S. Navy veteran throughout his life.
After returning to civilian life, Wayne channeled his passion and skill into a career in the heating and cooling industry. He worked as a repairman and private contractor for several years before joining the ICE US, Inc. team in Bolivar, Tn. Specializing in the installation and maintenance of industrial-grade equipment, Wayne approached every job with precision and pride. His commitment to excellence earned him the respect of coworkers, supervisors, and clients alike, and he eventually retired as manager of the Bolivar location. Even in retirement, he continued to help and lead by example, mentoring crewmembers, forming lasting friendships, and serving as a trusted role model to many.
Like the old saying goes, "work hard, play hard," Wayne knew how to do just that. He had a lifelong passion for classic cars, motorcycles, and the need for speed. He restored many vehicles over the years – a few passion projects being his 1966 Chevy truck, Corvette, and his beloved 1965 orange Mustang. He and his wife, Sandy, shared his passion and she accompanied him to many car and bike shows across the country as well as NHRA Drag Racing events.
Wayne had a love for the open road, a passion he shared with Sandy. Together they took a 2000-mile motorcycle trip that led them from West Tennessee, to Mississippi, Florida, and North Carolina, back home through East Tennessee. They especially enjoyed attending the Cruisin' the Coast Car Show in Biloxi, Ms., and riding the famed Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. No matter where the road led, every mile was meaningful – as long as they were together, every day was an adventure.
Finding joy in the simple things around him, Wayne was most at peace when he was in his garage near his beloved hot rods, with music playing in the background. Particularly fond of the Beach Boys and 1960s era music, if Wayne was present, you could be certain he'd be tapping along to the tunes. He was a collector of sorts – Raisin Man figurines, M&M's memorabilia, and In-and-Out Burger attire – showcasing his easy-going, fun-loving character.
Above all, Wayne loved his people fiercely, "you know what I mean?" Easy to talk to and incredibly outgoing, he was everyone's buddy. He was known for his kind and generous nature; if something negative was ever said about someone, it rarely came from him. If something didn't sit right with him, he'd simply say, "It is what it is." Family was everything to Wayne. He loved his wife deeply and embraced her children as his own, offering them unwavering support, love, and devotion.
When they made Wayne, they truly broke the mold. He will be forever remembered and deeply cherished for his genuine kindness, caring heart, and the one-of-a-kind man he was.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Sandy; daughters, Kellie Crocker (Damon) of Apache Flats, Mo., and Tanya Myers (Cheryl) of Holts Summit; sister, Joan Angona-Fowler of Burleson, Tx.; brother, Dennis Ellington of Weatherford, Tx.; sister-in-law, Cathy Ellington of Tulare, Ca.; granddaughter, Sabrina Blevins (Dillion) of Jefferson City, Mo.; grandson, Matthew Myers of Jefferson City; son, Shanon Ellington; grandson, Sean Ellington; and numerous close friends and members of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Evelyn, and brother, Danny Ellington.
Private family services with military honors will be held on July 24, 2025.
In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, the family kindly asks that you honor Wayne's memory through simple acts of kindness and friendship – just as he lived his life.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
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