Wayne Chalkley

Mr. Robert Wyman “Wayne” Chalkley, 86, of Buena Vista, passed away on January 1, 2025, at Magnolia Manor of Buena Vista. A graveside funeral service will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jim Cox officiating. The family invites friends to join them in the church fellowship hall after the service for a cup of coffee and dessert and to share a Wayne story. 

Mr. Chalkley was born in Marion County, Georgia, on May 26, 1938, to Andrew and Pearl Welch Chalkley. He graduated from Marion County High School in 1956. For almost 30 years, he served the community of Draneville as the storekeeper and unofficial “Mayor.” Generations of Tri-County High School students remember Mr. Wayne in his jeans and boots. He watched young people as they grew up – breaking up fights and seeing romances bloom. Wayne loved people and enjoyed talking to all. He worked hard all of his life and turned his love of wood into a retirement “job” where he made frames and beautiful jewelry boxes. Wayne loved his coffee club at 3 Squares Diner in Americus and enjoyed farming. Cows, chickens, and fixing things always kept him busy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, June Elder Chalkley, and a brother, Andrew Inman Chalkley. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Pamela Chalkley DeLapp of Buena Vista, GA, and Jana Chalkley Martin (Matt) of Fortson, GA; three grandchildren, Colton Lee DeLapp, Reese Lydia Martin, and Rylie Louise Martin; by a sister-in-love, Mary Ann Chalkley; and by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Leon Elder, Eddie (Peggy) Elder, Joe (Shirley) Elder, Melvin Collins, Ben (Missy) Elder, Danny (Laurel) Elder, and John Elder. 

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Buena Vista, GA. 

Way-Watson Funeral Home, 1052 Dr. Deryl Hart Road, Buena Vista, Georgia has been entrusted with these arrangements.