Howard Wayne Morrell, affectionately known as Wayne, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024, at the age of 100. Born at home in White Springs, Florida, on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1924, Wayne embodied a century of love, dedication, and perseverance that left an enduring legacy. Wayne was married to the love of his life, Emma Jean, for 62 remarkable years before her passing in 2013. Their enduring partnership was a testament to devotion and shared dreams. Together, they raised a close-knit family that he cherished deeply. He is survived by his four children: Vonada Barwick, Gwendolyn Parrish (J.B.), David Wayne Morrell (Vicki), and Rhonda Mabile (Paul). His legacy continues through his multitude of grandchildren: Amber, Clay, Ashley, Caley, Amanda, Olivia, Hunter, Savanna, Taylor, Anna, Colton, Risley, and Daycee; and his great-grandchildren: Alyson, Alyssa, Emaly, Loren, Tyler, Makayla, Michael, Lacy, Kelsey, Caden, Conor, Ivy, Dawson, Emma, Grantham, Landry, Stetson, Rhett, Kenna, Cooper, Ariel, and Asher. His great-great-grandchildren include Jasper. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Newell Morrell and Willie Morrell, and his siblings, Ruby Morrell, Edward Morrell, Charles Russell Morrell, Evelyn Morrell, Willie Earl Morrell, Monroe Morrell, and Daisy Morrell Tramel. A graduate of Columbia High School in 1942, Wayne answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the Army and serving in Japan and the Philippines during World War II. Upon his return, he married his sweetheart, Emma Jean, in 1951, beginning a life filled with love, family, and entrepreneurial success. Wayne was the proud founder of Morrell's Salvage, which grew into Morrell's Inc., a home furnishing landmark in North Florida. At one time, Morrell's Inc. employed 47 people and operated out of a sprawling 55,000-square-foot retail space. Today, his entrepreneurial spirit lives on as Morrell's USA, LLC, under the stewardship of his son-in-law and grandson, Paul and Hunter Mabile. Wayne retired at 65 but never stopped pursuing new passions and adventures. He and Emma Jean embraced life on the road in their motorhome, creating cherished memories through travel. Wayne became an avid fisherman, widely known for his signature bait that consistently reeled in Spanish mackerel. His last fishing trip at age 99—a successful snook and redfish adventure—embodied his enduring spirit. A man of faith, Wayne grew up attending Mt. Carmel Church and spent 67 faithful years as a devoted member of Parkview Baptist Church. There, he raised his family and found joy in serving shut-ins and widows during his later years. Wayne's curiosity and drive to learn were boundless. At 75, he bought his first computer; at 90, his first iPhone. With these tools, he mastered photography, edited images, and researched coins and artifacts from his metal-detecting journeys. At age 92, he began flipping homes, completing five projects over the next year. He also found joy in smoking and grilling meats, guided by recipes he discovered online, and shared his culinary experiments with loved ones. Perhaps one of Wayne's most impactful contributions was his dedication to giving back. Through his passion for gardening, he grew bountiful summer and winter crops, which he shared with the community. His gardens fed over 175 families each season, embodying his generous heart and commitment to helping others. Wayne leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and community service. His life was a testament to hard work, a thirst for knowledge, and the joy of giving. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him but will live on in the values and memories he instilled in his family and community. Visitation will be held at Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home on December 9, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place at Parkview Baptist Church on December 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Services officiated by Pastor Mike Tatem and Pastor Jay Porter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkview Baptist Church's kitchen renovation fund, honoring Wayne's dedication to serving his church and community.