E. Wayne Shanks

Died: June 30, 2008

KNOXVILLE -- E. Wayne Shanks, 71, of Knoxville, died Monday.

His family noted, "He went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Born July 27, 1936, in Greene County, he was the youngest of six children of the late Ruble and Letha Shanks.

Mr. Shanks, along with his wife, Cheryl Shanks, was the owner, of the GNC franchise in the Greeneville Commons and in Halls.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Mr. Shanks was recruited by the St. Louis Cardinals in baseball.

His family stated, "He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend, who was known for his kindness to others.

"Wayne was gifted with a great sense of humor and athletic talent in basketball, which he continued at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City."

In addition to his wife, Cheryl, survivors include his children and their spouses: Chris and Lisa Shanks of Knoxville, Melanie and David Combs of Maryville, and LuAnne and Jim Spurrell of Bethesda, Md.; his grandchildren: Mikayla Combs, Will Combs, Julia Combs, Jonathan Shanks, Evan Spurrell, and Megan Spurrell; his brothers and their wives: Glen and June Shanks of Johnson City, Carroll and Adair Shanks of Nashville, and Don and Betty Shanks of Pfafftown, N.C.; a sister: Thelma Bowman of Elizabethton; several nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law: Dawn Hutton of Knoxville; a number of extended family members; and special caregivers: Dr. John Blake Jr. and his staff.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Andy Shanks.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. today at Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, in Knoxville.

The funeral service will follow visitation at 7 o'clock in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Ed Bowman will officiate.

A committal service will be held at 11 o'clock Thursday morning in Monte Vista Cemetery in Johnson City. Family and friends will meet at 10:45 at the cemetery.

A guest book is available and condolences may be sent to the Shanks family online at www.bridgesfuneralhome.com