Robert Wayne Torbett

Robert Wayne Torbett

August 10, 2024 – Robert Wayne Torbett, age 86, of Piney Flats, TN went to be in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. 

Wayne was the son of Herbert and Velma Warren Torbett and lived his entire life in Piney Flats. He attended Mary Hughes High School, which is where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Frances Jones. They married in 1957 and celebrated 67 years together on July 6, 2024. 

Wayne worked in the greenhouse business his entire life. For the past 60 years, he and Frances owned and operated Wayne Torbett Greenhouses in Piney Flats. If you have ever walked into Wayne’s greenhouse, or bought any of his products, you know that he had a God-given gift for growing beautiful plants and flowers of the finest quality.

A devoted Christian, Wayne was a member of Poplar Ridge Christian Church in Piney Flats. He especially enjoyed being a member of the Willing Workers Sunday school class.

Wayne was a member of the Piney Flats Volunteer Fire department for many years, serving as chief for several. He was also a member of the Piney Flats Ruritan Club, as well as the M.M. Martin Masonic Lodge. Wayne enjoyed anything to do with cars, especially his 1957 Chevy Cameo pickup truck, Bristol Motor Speedway, the Atlanta Braves, his wife’s cooking, and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his brother, Howard Torbett (Carolyn). He is survived by his loving wife, Frances; two daughters, Kim Dishner (Joe), and Keyla King (John), both of Piney Flats; six grandchildren, Kimberlyn King Schmidt (Ryan) of Johnson City, Elizabeth Dishner Spain (Jarrod) of Jonesborough, Preston Dishner with Lia Winter of Piney Flats, Emilee Dishner with fiancée Dallas Boone of Bluff City, Jonathan King of Piney Flats, and J. Patrick Dishner with Mariah Huskey of Piney Flats; three great-grandchildren, Sadler Spain and Shaw Spain of Jonesborough, and baby boy Schmidt, who is due in December; one brother, Dean Torbett (Janie) of Piney Flats; two brothers-in-law, Terry Jones with Debbie Fedor of Piney Flats, and Fred Guthrie (the late Maxie Jones Guthrie) of Bristol, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 15 at Poplar Ridge Christian Church in Piney Flats. A memorial service to celebrate Wayne’s life will follow with Brad Perry and Evan Wolfe officiating. Music will be presented by special friends of the family. A graveside service will be held Friday, August 16, at 12:00 p.m. in the Poplar Ridge Christian Church cemetery. Serving as pall bearers will be Preston Dishner, Jonathan King, J. Patrick Dishner, Jarrod Spain, Ryan Schmidt, and Dallas Boone.

Condolences and prayers may be shared with the Torbett family by visiting www.morrisbaker.com

Arrangements especially for Mr. Torbett and his family have been made through Morris Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601; 423-282-1521