Thomas Wayne Hunnicutt, 72, of Upatoi Georgia passed away at his residence on June 16, 2022. Memorial Services will be conducted on Monday, June 20th 2022 at 12:00 pm at Striffler-Hamby funeral home in Columbus Georgia. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.

Wayne, as he was called, was born on October 10, 1949 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Thomas Cleveland Hunnicutt and Margaret “Betty” Glover Hunnicutt.

A graduate of Baker High School, Wayne was a very popular student, playing on the varsity football team and baseball team. He was legendary for his stories of mischief growing up and entertained family and friends with tall tales of his youth. Following graduation from high school, Wayne attended Gainesville Junior College, where he was a member of the baseball team.

Wayne married young and had three daughters, Tammy, Betsy and Cindy. Wayne often joked that the girls got their beauty and brains from him. Professionally, Wayne was a member of Iron Workers local 387 and retired as a Superintendent from Alberici Inc. He garnered respect from all of his employees and served as a mentor to many young foreman. He was well respected for his work ethic and his master skills.

Wayne later married the love of his life, Linda Lou Manecke, and they enjoyed a loving relationship for 34 years. After marrying Linda, Wayne became a bonus dad to Christy Manecke and Matt Manecke. Personally, Wayne loved working on antique cars, which was a true passion and spending time with his four puppies.

Survivors include: his wife Linda of Upatoi, GA, daughter Tammy Williams(Stan) of Wilmington, NC, daughter Betsy Howard(Gabriel) of Fort Knox, KY, daughter Cindy Conner(Greg) of Blakely, GA, daughter Christy Manecke(Dan) of Janesville, WI, and son Matt Manecke(Tami) of Janesville, WI, his loving mother Betty Hunnicutt of Columbus, GA, his sister. Marsha Barton of The Villages, FL, his grandchildren whom he adored, Jacob Wolfe, Monica Wolfe, Hamilton Howard, Grant Howard, Canton Conner, Mitchell Conner, Sophie Conner, Holly Hallmark, Drew Hallmark, Jordan Householder, Sabrina Manecke, Savannah Manecke, Peyton Decker, Link Decker and Devin Decker.

He is preceded in death by: his father, Thomas Cleveland Hunnicutt. His family wishes to thank the many family and friends who have called and written condolences. The family is consoled by the knowledge that Wayne is in the arms of Jesus.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Hunnicutt family.