Ivie Wayne Killough

Mr. Ivie Wayne Killough, 88, a resident of Rutledge, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama on Monday, February 21st, 2022. Funeral services for Mr. Killough will be held at 2 PM on Friday, February 25th, at First Baptist Church of Luverne with Brother Clay Crum, Rev. Neal Kelley, and Rev. Mike Moses officiating. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Rutledge with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 1 - 2 PM.

Wayne was the oldest of four children born to Ivie Winford and Vaudie Odum Killough. He had blonde, curly hair and was the apple of his parents' eyes. Even as a young boy, Wayne loved people and had a happy-go-lucky outlook on life. His job at church was passing out hymnals, and he thoroughly enjoyed greeting everyone. Wayne accepted Christ when he was 17 years old at an August revival at Chapel Hill Baptist Church, and he was baptized in a small creek behind the church. He was always a hard worker, doing manual labor with his father on their farm while also attending school. After he graduated from Luverne High School, Wayne joined the United States Air Force and served his country proudly for 20 years. During that time, his military career took him to Texas, Georgia, Florida, Thailand, and Goose Bay, Labrador. His specialty was medical supply, and he was known to be able to get anything his platoon needed (sometimes even steaks). He was known as "Smiley" to all of his comrades due to the fact that he was always in a jolly good mood.

Wayne married the love his life, Jewel Moore, at the age of 22, and together they had children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who they loved dearly and shared so much happiness and joy together. He was known to always carry pictures of his beloved family in his wallet, and never hesitated to show them off frequently, even to perfect strangers. Wherever Wayne and Jewel lived, they always attended church regularly. He was ordained as a deacon at Key Largo Baptist Church in Homestead, Florida and served as the head of their bus ministry. After his retirement from the Air Force, Wayne and Jewel moved their family back home to Rutledge and rejoined Chapel Hill Baptist Church. There he served as a deacon and treasurer for 25 years. He believed strongly in tithing and made sure to deduct that amount as soon as he was paid. He loved his church family, and he also sang in the choir for many years. Wayne also devoted much of his time over the years to renovating his home that had been in his family for over 160 years. Being a handyman, he did a great deal of the work himself and, if he didn't know how to fix something, he would research it and teach himself. Wayne also repaired many things at the church all through the years. He served his God and church faithfully until his health began to fail in the last few years. Wayne had a true servant's heart and did his work quietly with a grin on his face. Wayne will be greatly missed here on earth; however, his family rejoices that he is now with his family in Heaven.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Ivie Winford & Vaudie Odum Killough, and his sister, Brenda Killough White. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jewel Moore Killough; children, Gregory Wayne Killough and Jill Killough Stallworth; grandchildren, Brittney (Billy) Godoy, Carey (Kathryn) Stallworth, and John Duncan (Tori) Stallworth; great-grandchildren, Sally, Marley, and Rawls Godoy, Steven & Margot Stallworth, and Charlottle & Bailey Stallworth; siblings, Gary Killough (David Parello) and Dianne (Waylon) Catrett; nephew, John (Victoria) Catrett; great-nephew & great-niece, Brady & Addie Catrett; special cousins, Trubie Merle Strickland, Kim (Bobby) Butler, and Kennedy Butler; and many other beloved family members.

Active pallbearers will be Harvey Killough, Mike Tanner, John King, Michael Strickland, Lewis Gipson, and John Catrett.