06/18/2026
Cecil Wayne Pogue
Cecil Wayne Pogue, lovingly known as Wayne to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, surrounded by those he loved most, following acute complications from congestive heart failure. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soldier, brother, friend, and servant of God whose life was defined by hard work, humility, service, and unwavering love for his family.
Wayne was the kind of man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Known for his warm smile, gentle spirit, quiet humor, and legendary work ethic, he spent his life caring for others and putting family first. Whether he was helping a friend, working alongside his children, tending to his yard, sharing stories around a bonfire, or simply enjoying a conversation, Wayne brought steadiness, strength, and joy to every moment. He was the type of person who would drop whatever he was doing to help someone in need, never seeking recognition and never expecting anything in return.
A hardworking provider throughout his life, Wayne instilled the values of dedication, integrity, and perseverance in his children. He was immensely proud of each of them and never missed an opportunity to support their dreams. Even in recent weeks, he could be found working alongside his sons at Froggy’s Fog, a family business he championed from its earliest days. He took great pride in his daughter Emily’s accomplishments as a nurse practitioner and remained a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love to those around him.
Wayne’s commitment to service extended far beyond his family and community. He proudly served his country for 36 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard, dedicating much of his adult life to supporting soldiers and their mission. Through decades of faithful service, he rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC/E-7), a distinguished Senior Non-Commissioned Officer rank reserved for leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and responsibility. In his final assignment, he served as Food Service (Mess) Sergeant at the Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. Wayne
believed deeply in duty, service, and caring for people—values that defined both his military career and his personal life. He retired at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, commitment, and patriotism that made his family immensely proud.
Wayne's strength and determination were perhaps most evident in the health battles he fought. In 2008, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and underwent a full esophagectomy, a life-altering surgery at a time when the five-year survival rate was only about five percent. True to his nature, Wayne faced the challenge head-on and defied the odds, not only surviving but thriving for another 18 years. In 2018, he battled and overcame prostate cancer. Then, in January 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning, he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery. Through hard work and determination, he excelled in rehabilitation and spent the months that followed safely quarantining at home with Ann. Time and again, Wayne proved to be a fighter. He never allowed illness, pain, or setbacks to define him or slow him down. Through every challenge, he remained the devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend his family had always known—strong, resilient, and full of life.
Wayne was a teacher in all the best ways. He taught his children how to sharpen lawn mower blades, change tires, change oil, safely use a chainsaw, build a bonfire, cook the best chili, and prepare his famous Thanksgiving dressing. He passed along practical skills, but more importantly, he taught by example what it means to work hard, love deeply, and live faithfully. His work ethic was unmatched. Wayne dedicated 31 years of service to UCAR Carbon, retiring in September 2007. Even after retirement, slowing down was never in his nature. He spent time helping his beloved wife, Ann, while she was the Director at Alterra Sterling House and Morning Pointe Assisted Living communities, with maintenance and anything else she needed. For the last 18 years of his life, he worked alongside his sons at Froggy’s Fog, helping build and support the family business he believed in from the very beginning. When Froggy’s was so small that there were no employees, he would volunteer his time to help mix and bottle the fog fluid. Wayne’s World, as it is endearingly called, is the master mix station in the plant, where all the special formulations are blended and where Wayne spent most of his time ensuring the batches were just right.
Whether at the plant, serving his country, helping others, or working beside his children, Wayne approached every task with humility, dedication, and pride. His children often described him not only as their father, but as one of their closest friends, and they carry forward the lessons he taught through both his words and his example.
His greatest joy was his family. His grandchildren adored him, and he adored them right back. Whether attending recitals, sporting events, school activities, or simply spending time together, he never missed a chance to show up for the people he loved. His hugs, his humor, his unmistakable mumble, and his steady presence will be remembered and cherished for generations. He made every member of his family feel loved, valued, and supported, and those gifts will endure long after his passing.
Wayne is survived by his children, Adam Garner Pogue and his wife, Ava; David Stewart Pogue and his wife, Jennifer; and Emily Ruth Pogue and her husband, Jay Hicks. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Adam and Ava’s children, Leela Olivia Pogue, Adley Sophia Pogue, and Garner George Pogue; and David and Jennifer’s children, Elizabeth (Beth) Anne Pogue, Haley Nicole Pogue, Vanessa Taylor Gannon, and Christopher Lee (CJ) Dickey. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Leon Wayne Ralston, whose middle name was chosen in honor of his grandfather. Leon brought him immense joy and pride.
He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Beasley and Kay Reynolds; brothers-in-law, Jesse Beasley, Charlie Reynolds, and Danny Angus; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, generosity, and friendship.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Garner and Mary Evelyn Pogue, and his sister, Teresa Pogue. Wayne was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Pogue, whom he loved deeply and faithfully throughout their life together. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, and the family finds comfort in knowing they have been reunited in Heaven and made it just in time for their 54th wedding anniversary on June 16. Many who knew them best take comfort in imagining them together again, dancing with joy and free from pain and suffering.
Though his family grieves his loss deeply, they are profoundly grateful for the years, memories, lessons, laughter, and love he shared with them. Wayne’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, the values he instilled, and the countless acts of kindness he performed throughout his life. To know him was truly to love him.
The family is honored to have Jesse Beasley, Charlie Reynolds, John Bowen, Andrew Dearborn, Keith Hord, and Dean Johnson serve as pallbearers, accompanying Wayne to his final resting place.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Williams Funeral Home, with burial immediately following at Polk Memorial Gardens.
Forever loved. Forever missed.
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