Charles Wayne Ison

Charles Wayne Ison, age 83, of Freetown, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was a devoted member of Freetown Church of the Nazarene. Mr. Ison led a varied professional life, holding positions at Arvin Industries, Cosco, and Cummins Engine Co. as a factory worker. He was also a logger and worked at Jackson County Highway Department on the bridge crew. He was also a farmer, maintenance man at Don Sumpter Trucking, and he trained both mules and horses. Wayne was called to military duty, but while he was on the bus, the bus encountered mechanical problems, and he went back home and did not go to war. He was an active member of the Spurs & Wheels Saddle Club, the Coon Club, the Conservation Club, and hosted the Wayne Ison, Jake Taylor, and Don Sumpter horse ride. He had a deep love for mules and horses, and enjoyed fishing, firearms, and raising Walker and Cur dogs. His favorite pastimes included hunting coons, rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, deer, and groundhogs. He loved his family dearly, and he loved family dinners and get-togethers. Born on March 28, 1942, in Okaloosa, Kentucky, Wayne was the son of John D. and Virgie (Gilley) Ison, both of whom preceded him in death. On April 9, 1966, in Clintwood, Virginia, he married Mary Louise Meade, and she survives in Freetown. Survivors also include one son, Earl (Sonja) Ison of Seymour; one daughter, Renae (David) Leonard of Freetown; grandchildren: Cindy (Steven) Wynn, Keisha (Hank) Ogle, Suzanna Marshall, Jessica (Jason) Marshall, Derek (Chelsey) Leonard, Mackenzie (John) Curley, Bri (Nolan) Wilson, and Hannah Johnson (Neel Weaver); great-grandchildren: Emma Mitchell, Kaytlyn Mitchell, Will Ogle, Maya Wynn, Mason Roberts-Marshall, Leah Roberts-Marshall, Ashton Roberts-Marshall, Willey Roberts-Marshall, Henry Wilson, Milo Wilson, Silas Wilson, Hayden Weaver, and Delaney Weaver; one brother, Willie Ison; son-in-law, Doug Hall; and friend, Serina Roberts. Wayne was also preceded in death by a daughter, Nickie Hall; brothers: Bill Ison, Bob Ison, Gay Ison, Marion Ison, and Jackie Ison; sisters: Ruth Howell, Ruby Francis, Genice Day, Deola Day, and Ann Greathouse. Funeral services for Charles Wayne Ison will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Freetown Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Bob Persinger officiating. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Freetown Church of the Nazarene. Interment will follow at Kurtz Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Freetown Church of the Nazarene. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc. Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com

Charles Wayne Ison

March 28, 1942 - July 4, 2025