Robert Wayne Fathera

Mr. Robert "Wayne" Fathera, 54, of Readyville, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. He was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on Monday, December 9, 1968. Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Bob and Helen Fathera and Arvis and Lena Black, and mother, Shirley Anne Black.

He is survived by his father, Tommy Fathera of Readyville; sister, Monica Knight of Rock Island; 3 nephews all of Rock Island; special cousins, Becky Baskin and Barry Black both of Murfreesboro; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Born and raised in the Walter Hill community, Wayne grew up as any normal country boy would. Fishing, country music, God, racing, and sports were central in his life, just maybe not in that order. However, he did have an affinity for the water, and luckily, their home was right at some good fishing spots. 

Throughout his childhood, Wayne kept his family busy. During the warmer months, he wanted to be out on the lake, especially if it involved swimming. When things began to cool down, he kept his family occupied taking him to basketball games and practices. That need to stay moving also influenced Wayne's interests. He kept up with NASCAR and boxing, and while he didn't necessarily have a favorite driver or boxer, he sure did talk about Jeff Gordon and Mike Tyson a lot. 

It was a good thing Mr. Tommy liked blue because Wayne was a boy through and through. As he grew older, he wanted to take the leap from boy to man, and his dad got him a job working construction. For the majority of his working life, that affinity toward water kept Wayne with W.L. Hailey & Company in Nashville. He had the work ethic and personality for the job. 

A good person to his core, Wayne set out to do right by the company and the customer, and he kept the crew morale up with his jokes throughout the day. From his hobbies to his interests to his work, Wayne grew up to be a man's man, and it's with heavy hearts that the family lays their baby boy to rest.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 11 am - 2 pm. Funeral services will follow directly after on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate. Interment will be in Coleman Cemetery.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story