Wayne Ates

Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory announces the death of Mr. Wayne G. Ates, 81, of Jesup, Georgia, passed away on July 31, 2022, after a brief illness.

 

He was born to Barnette and Arrie Ates on November 14, 1940, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Wayne attended Brewton-Parker College and Louisiana College for his undergraduate studies. He obtained a graduate degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and was also awarded an honorary doctoral degree.

 

Wayne is survived by two children, Justin Ates (Leslie) and Janna Gregory (Gordon), and six grandchildren: J.W., Joey, Ellie, and Jack Ates; and Nolan and Halley Capps. He is also survived by his sisters, Rita Keith (Bill) and Gloria Strickland (Dean), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Wayne was brilliant and charismatic and was always eager to provoke laughter with a joke or two. He was ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister at age 18, and he shared the Gospel as a pastor at numerous churches in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. He also taught English at the high school and college levels. He had a long career as a professional public speaker, billed as the “Minister of Mirth.”

 

Wayne lived a long and productive life and touched the hearts of many people. He will be missed.

 

Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mr. Wayne G. Ates