G. Wayne Rev. Dr. Cummings

The Reverend Dr. G. Wayne Cummings, 105 West Twelfth Avenue, Johnson City, died at home on Thursday, December 20, 2018. He was 87 years of age. Born in Marion, Virginia, but had lived in Johnson City, TN since 1977. Following graduation from Marion High School, Marion Virginia, in 1948 received a B. A. Degree from Emory & Henry College in 1952; a B. D. Degree from Drew University in 1955; awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Emory & Henry in 1978. Survivors include his wife Patricia Ann (Widener) Cummings, to whom he was married in 1952; daughter Cheryl Cummings Warren Fore of Knoxville (& Richard); and son Stephen Wayne Cummings of Alpharetta, GA (& JoAnne); grandchildren Andrea (Warren) (and Jesse) Goins of Chattanooga, Nathan (& Megan) Warren of Knoxville, Ben and Emily Cummings of Alpharetta. Other survivors are brothers Wilburn R. Cummings, Marion and Joe G. Cummings, Roanoke, VA, a sister, Eleanor (Cummings) Jackson, Raleigh, NC; great grandchildren, Jacob and Molly Goins; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dr. Cummings was granted a Local Preachers License by the Methodist Church in September 1948. While in Seminary, (1952 -55) he was under appointment to Stewart Memorial and First Methodist Churches, Old Forge, PA., Pastoral Appointments in Holston Conference included: Wharf Hill ? Elizabeth Churches, Sugar Grove, VA; Interim Associate Pastor, First Methodist Church, Kingsport; Wheeler Methodist, Blountville, TN; Lebanon Memorial United Methodist, Lebanon, VA; and Clinton Memorial United Methodist, Clinton, TN. In 1973, appointed Knoxville District Superintendent, in 1997 made Director of the Holston Conference Council on Ministries, and in 1984 named Conference Director of Christian Higher Education and Development and Secretary/Treasurer of Holston Conference Colleges, Inc. Entered a retired Conference relationship in June 1993. Throughout his years of retirement, Dr. Cummings accepted invitations to teach, preach and participate in Services of Death and Resurrection. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 2:00 pm under the direction of Rev. Carol Wilson, The Rev. James Whedbee, The Rev. Lauri Jo Cranford & Rev. Randy Martin. Music to be provided by Rev. Doug Grove-DeJarnett and Matthew Brickey, organist. Honorary pallbearers will be his Virgil Anderson Sunday School class. Visitation will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall at 3:00 pm. A family committal service will be conducted under the direction of the Rev. Kathie Wilson-Parker on Monday, December 24, 2018 at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Marion, VA at 11:00 am family and friends are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:50 am. Memorial Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to Munsey Memorial UMC, 201 S. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601; Greenwood UMC, Treasurer, 375 Boxwood Ln., Marion, VA 24354; or to Herbert L. Widener Scholarship Fund, Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA 24327.