Wayne Eller

Wayne Eugene "Gene" Eller was born on August 27, 1951, and left this earth on June 13, 2024. This wonderful man went by many names and to know him was to love him. Growing up he was Gene to his family and friends and was the middle child of four siblings.  His rock and greatest supporter, his mother Geneva, passed when he was only 17.  He was a source of strength to his family then and remained in that role until his last breath.

He married the love of his life, Nancy Deal, on February 5, 1972, and they spent over 38 years together until her unexpected passing on February 17, 2010. They have one daughter, Beth, who never lacked for anything and was their pride and joy.

Gene is survived by his daughter Beth Phillips and his son-in-law Jeremy Phillips; granddaughter Peyton Phillips, grandson Carter Phillips, great-granddaughter Lylah Phillips and his sister Kathy Eller. He had no greater love than that of his family, especially his grandchildren. Peyton brought him so much joy and was the apple of his eye. Carter was his little buddy, and they shared a love of cars. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law Arnold Deal (Marcella) and Dwight Deal (Margaret) who were more like brothers than in-laws. Arnold was his partner in crime for concerts and anything that involved great music. Dwight shared his love of racing and cars which created many memories at the track. Kathy was a special sister who never left his side. The love and care she provided in his last days was nothing short of amazing and inspirational.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy Eller, father Ray Eller, mother Geneva Eller, sister Becky Kiser, sister Alice Parlier and brother Roy Eller.

He was a counselor, mentor, supporter, and would lend a helping hand to anyone. He was known as Wayne during his employment and worked for the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier, retiring after 38 years. He was named the 2014 Retiree of the Year for the NC Association of Letter Carriers. He was the NALC Union Branch 1250 President from 1994-2013. His reach extended support and guidance to many postal employees including other branches. The friendships he garnered during his time at the Post Office carried through to the end.

He spent over forty years heading to the racetrack and loved his trips to the Petit Le Mans, 12 hours of Sebring, the Mitty, VIR, and Watkins Glen. He was known to his Turn 5 Road Atlanta buddies as Shuffle and they created so many fun memories through their love of sports car racing. Although he made many friends over the years, his best bud Mike “Hawks” stood out throughout the years.

He touched so many lives and was loved by so many. He was a father to more than Beth, she shared the spotlight with her husband Jeremy and her cousin Bubba Deal who were both “sons” to him. Jeremy, the love that you have for our family helped him have the strength to leave. He knows that you will care for us just as he did.

We are all heartbroken by his departure and that we cannot see him on this earth any longer. We rejoice in the fact that his body is restored and that he is reunited with his love Nancy and all those who have gone on before him. What an amazing reunion.

We will hold tight to the love and strength that you gave us. There are memories in the music and we will find you in each song.

Celebration of Life and Receiving of friends and family will be held at Jenkins Funeral Home on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. We ask that you wear your favorite band or car T-shirt to honor his favorite hobbies.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Gene's passion for helping others in our community, memorials may be made to the Catawba Medical Foundation: Good Samaritan's Closet .

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Eller family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.