Overview
- Hundreds of residents, veterans and officials gathered Tuesday morning at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery for the 9 a.m. service.
- The turnout followed a Fox 17 Nashville post on X inviting the public to attend, a message amplified by local accounts including country artist John Rich.
- A Veterans Affairs representative said the “unclaimed” label on Wayman’s paperwork was a misnomer, crediting the VA, Gupton Mortuary and attendees for ensuring dignity and honor.
- VA chaplain Conard Donarski, who had met Wayman at a hospice, led prayers and told mourners, “We put the word out and look what happened.”
- Military honors included a flag-draped casket, taps and a dove release, as reporters noted little verified biographical information about Wayman has emerged.