Mr. Clifford Wayne Metcalf, age 80, of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, departed this life Friday morning, August 16, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Wayne Metcalf, who lived a wonderful life for 80 years. A true family man, he was the very definition of warmth and kindness. To know him was to immediately love him.

An avid largemouth bass fisherman, Wayne found peace and joy on the water, always chasing the next big catch. His love for fishing was only matched by his dedication to his work at the Oak Wood Café. For 26 years, he poured his heart into the café, starting as a breakfast short-order cook and eventually closing its doors as the proud owner. The café was more than just a job to him; it was a place where he formed lifelong friendships and left an indelible mark on everyone who walked through its doors.  After Wayne sold the Oakwood, he went to work at the local Walmart and worked an additional twenty plus years. His laugh was contagious, and it brought joy to all who heard it. He was surrounded by close friends and family who loved him dearly, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the stories we share, the laughter we hear, and the love we continue to hold in our hearts. Rest in peace, sweet Hubbin. You will be missed more than words can express.

Wayne was born July 24, 1944, in Dalton, Georgia, a son of the late, Lindsey Jefferson and Josie Bell Newton Metcalf. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Lindsey Metcalf and Melvyn Metcalf, sister-in-law, Diane Manis and brother-in-law, Bobby Goswick.

He is survived by his wife, Sherrie Goswick Metcalf of the residence and would have celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary on March 22, 2025; daughters and sons-in-law, Krista and Michael Hicks of Calhoun, GA, Farrah and Greg Westerholm of Gainesville, GA; grandchildren, Christopher and Dr. Emily Gantz Hicks, Katie Hicks, Kinsey and Ethan Terry, Mason Westerholm and Kehlan Westerholm; great-grandchildren, Mary Emma Hicks, Hampton Hicks, Annie Terry and Grady Wayne Terry; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat Metcalf of Varnell, GA, and Barbara Metcalf, Annette and Kevin Burke all of Dalton, GA; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Clifford Wayne Metcalf will be held Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Jeff Terry officiating.  He will be laid to rest at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum at 11:00 a.m. Monday morning, August 19, 2024.

The family will receive friends after 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the:

AdventHealth Gordon Foundation, Urology Dept. for cancer patients of Dr. Hak Lee, P.O. Box 304, Calhoun, GA, 30701.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721.   706-226-4002 "A Selected Independent Funeral Home"