Wayne James Brickey

On February 23, 1944, Wayne James Brickey was born near Fort Blackmore in Scott County, Virginia. His homecoming was June 20, 2026, with his loving wife of 37 years by his side. After his father returned from WWII, they moved to Gate City, Virginia. He played football at Gate City High School and graduated in 1962. He had many fond memories of those days and often quoted Coach Harry Fry - "Tough times don't last but strong people do."

Wayne held degrees from ETSU and Milligan University. In 1997, he took an early retirement from Eastman Chemical Company. At the time he was the Maintenance Supervisor in Power & Services and earlier, during the development of Bays Mountain Park, he was selected to spend several weeks under the direction of Dr. Rolland Hower at the Smithsonian Institute preparing to build a freeze dry machine for the Park. After Eastman, he became the Service Manager for John Deere in Kingsport and later retired as the Area Sales Representative for Industrial Applications. Wayne never met a stranger and continued many of his professional contacts after his 2019 retirement.

Wayne approached the world with intense curiosity exploring the complexities of nature. Wayne was a well-read individual, especially of World War II history. He exclusively owned Jeep vehicles and restored a 1970 Willys Jeep. A talented welder, he used his metal working skills to build a heavy-duty utility trailer from a Willys Jeep design. He also could repair almost anything and was always proactive in the maintenance of his home. If he didn't know how to do it, he spent hours researching.

Wayne had a lifelong love of the outdoors, camping and fly fishing with his dad, friends and cousins, especially along the Clinch River in Virginia. In his younger years, he and his wife, Suzy, as he lovingly called her, enjoyed hiking and camping.

He was a nature enthusiast, and he marveled at God's creation from the smallest to the greatest. He loved the Lord and was a member of Colonial Heights Christian Church where he volunteered in the church's food pantry ministry until his debilitating illness from covid in October 2020. Wayne had a kind heart particularly toward the disadvantaged.

On the simple side of life, Wayne loved a "good ole summer tomato sandwich with a glass of cold milk and fresh green beans", secondary to his wife's chocolate cakes and pies! Wayne was known for his patience, kindness and generosity. He possessed a quick wit and keen sense of humor. His big heart and kind spirit will be missed.

Wayne was predeceased in death by his parents, Caldwell and Anna Ruth (Gillenwater) Brickey. Surviving Wayne is his wife, Sue "Suzy" Richardson Brickey. He also leaves behind two daughters, Elizabeth Bricquet (D. McGuire) and Rachel Coffman (Kevin), three grandchildren, Elizabeth Beattie, Lauren Coffman and Alex Coffman; sisters Karen Loper and Janis Brickey; brother Jeffrey Brickey; one niece, Jennifer Brickey, and nephews Caleb Loper and Joey Richardson; several cousins and close friends whom he loved (and you know who you are).

A special thank you is extended to the JCMC Trauma ICU and Surgical ICU for the amazing care provided and the dedicated nursing staff.

Wayne chose cremation, and Trinity Memorial Services will be serving the Brickey family. A Celebration of Life will take place later.

For those who desire, in memoriam gifts may be made to Colonial Heights Christian Church Food Pantry, 105 Meadow Lane, Kingsport, TN 37663, or Holly Help Spa Neuter Fund, P. O. Box 1264, Bristol, VA 24203, both of which were dear to his heart.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.