With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Wayne Edward Phipps, 78, of White Bluff, Tennessee on April 30, 2026.
Wayne was a man deeply loved by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and the love he gave so freely throughout his life.
Wayne was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 44 years, Christy.
She loved him deeply and will miss him dearly every day. As best friends and soul mates, they shared a life together filled with love, dedication, laughter, and memories.
Wayne was born in Jackson, Mississippi to his late parents, Charles Lockwood Phipps and Marjorie Faith Burton Phipps. Because his father was a minister, Wayne often moved from city to city during his childhood along with his sister, Carol, and brother, Charles, and mother, Margie. He graduated from Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 1965. In 1966, Wayne joined the U.S. Air Force where he proudly served his country in Vietnam, Thailand and Eglin Air Force Base until 1969.
In 1974, Wayne graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. He has been a true blue and orange Gator football fan ever since.
Republic Airlines hired Wayne as a flight attendant in 1980. On the first day of training, he met the love of his life, Christy Sigler, from Nashville, Tennessee. They married on September 12, 1981. As the airline transitioned to Northwest
Airlines and then Delta Airlines, Wayne and Christy flew every trip together during their 40-year career. Side by side, they enjoyed all their favorite cities together until their retirement in 2020.
Wayne was truly one of a kind. He touched the lives of so many people with his wonderful humor, his easy-going personality, and his gentle nature. He loved the music of the Beach Boys and the Beatles because it reminded him of his days as a lifeguard on the Florida beaches. His passions included airplanes, photography, boating, and fishing. Wayne was a skilled handyman, but his greatest talent was woodworking. He took enormous pride in his creations of segmented
bowls and jewelry boxes which he loved to gift to family and friends.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Christy Sigler Phipps, his sister, Carol Phipps, his niece, Dorothy Phipps, and his nephew, Brian Phipps (Rachel). Also, his sisters-in-law, Nancy Cook (Scott) and Sherry Sigler; nieces, Katie Grey (Juan), Lori Sigler,
Ashley Alvarado (Luis and daughter, Sophia); nephews, Michael Grey (Emily), Aaron Sigler (Laura and daughter, Kendra), Keaston Sigler, Korbin Sigler, Nicholas Kohl (and son, Nick Jr), Brett Kohl (Chloe) and numerous family and friends.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Charles Phipps Jr.
Wayne’s love, his laughter, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever. He will truly and greatly be missed and remembered.
“Those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day”
13 Responses
So many memories came flooding back as I read this beautiful remembrance. Dot’s first flight and restaurant experience was Wayne’s graduation. I still have a complete recall of the celebration, there was so much joy and laughter. The many family gatherings in the years to come at holidays and special events… Wayne playing with Dot and Bri, always in great spirit. He always brought love and wonderful energy whenever we saw him. His special power was his ability to make everyone feel good whenever he was around. He is irreplaceable in our hearts. We will always love you, Wayne!
Wayne spread joy everywhere and to everyone he met. He was Christy’s perfect partner. We love and will miss you, our friend.
Christy, My condolences to you and your family. With deepest sympathy, John
Wayne was the most energetic flight attendant I ever met in my 21 yr career. He welcomed every passenger with “a little craziness” and a huge smile. He especially enjoyed sharing “treats” with every child on every flight. Such a warm soul. So many of us went separate ways with our unexpected retirements in 2020, but we still stayed connected for a few more years. REST IN PEACE Wayne. And Christy…. thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wayne was a joy to be around. Work was so much easier and fun. Sending prayers to Christy and his family.
Christy, my heart breaks for you. I enjoyed flying with you and Wayne. my prayers for peace and comfort. Linda Coppage Spurrier.
Missing a wonderful friend and colleague. Sleep in Heavenly peace, Wayne. God’s comfort and my prayers for Christy and family. In Christ.
Christy, I am so sorry for your loss.It was always a pleasure to work with ya’ll. The love you shared was amazing & a joy to see.
Christy so sorry to hear that Wayne has passed. He was a character. My condolences to you and your family.
I’m so sad to hear this😞 Christy, We always loved flying with you and Wayne and because of you all, we learned to bid better trips:-) We are now flying Wayne and Christy Trips, as we refer to them Dearly♥️♥️♥️Praying for you and your family for the coming days with so many cherished memories and that you find comfort in knowing he is with our Lord and Savior♥️ God Bless you and yours, Love and Sympathy, Debbie and Donna(Sisters)🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️
Christy, I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved flying with you two. Wayne was one of a kind, always had great stories. My prayers are with you.
Wayne always had a smile on his face and a joke for me as well. Christy my heart breaks for you. I never saw Wayne without you. He was a gentleman and a pleasure to be around.
Christy, so very sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family. Wayne was such a great person and a joy to fly with.
He was one of a kind.