Wayne Allen Christison

Wayne Allen Christison, 87, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Friday, Aug 14, 2015. He was born April 12, 1928 in Winchester, Ill. to the late Irene Glossop Christison and Elmer Justice Christison. Wayne's family was engaged in farming in Winchester and Hillview, Ill. After his father's death, when Wayne was 10 years old, the family moved to Whitehall, Ill. where he graduated from high school and lettered in basketball and football. Wayne served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. He was honorably discharged from Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo. After his military service, Wayne returned home where he began a successful 37 year career with the Kroger Company. He advanced in corporate positions including time in St. Louis, Mo., Chicago, Ill., Little Rock, Ark., Columbus, Ohio, Dallas, Texas, and at the general headquarters in Cincinnatti, Ohio where he served as a consultant for the meat division. His final assignment was in Nashville, Tenn. where he served as the Southland Division Meat Merchandiser. After his retirement, Wayne moved to the family residence on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs and became the owner of multiple Western Sizzlin' Steakhouses in Joplin, Mo., Enid, Okla., Conroe, Texas, Paris, Texas, and Hot Springs, Ark. where he was fondly referred to as "Mr. C" by his employees. Wayne had the gift of hospitality and serving others in need and was passionate about his family and his faith. He loved nothing better than having his family and friends gather for meals and outings which included boat rides on the lake. Wayne was a member of the Oaklawn Rotary Club, Hope Church and the Hot Springs Country Club and was an avid golfer. He is survived by his wife, Madge Grace Christison; daughters, Randi Ballard (Barry) of Hot Springs and Laurie Smith (Ted) of Conway, Ark.; brother, Ralph Christison (Liz) of Putnam, Ill.; sister, Kathryn Gardner of Jacksonville, Ill.; his beloved grandchildren: Kathryn Ballard of Indianapolis, Ind., Lee Ballard of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Emily Smith of Houston, Texas, and Margaret Smith of San Francisco, Calif.; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Joseph Verdon of Decatur, Ill.; brother-in-law, Russell Gardner of Jacksonville, Ill.; and nephew, Brett Gardner of Basehor, Kan. Special thanks are extended to long-time family friends, Eva Bailey and Sue Magby; Brookfield Assisted Living; Arkansas Hospice; and to Dr. John Featherston and the Family Medicine Clinic. A celebration of Wayne's life will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m., Hope Church, 836 Shady Grove Road, Hot Springs, followed by a visitation with the family. Burial will precede the service at 10 a.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, Fifth and Greenwood Streets, Hot Springs, Ark. Memorials may be made to Hope Church, 836 Shady Grove Road, Hot Springs, AR 71901. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.