Wayne Cartwright

Paul “Wayne” Cartwright, a devoted family man and faithful servant of the Lord, is now in the presence of our loving Lord and Savior after a courageous battle with ALS.  Mr. Cartwright passed away in Tyler, Texas on Tuesday, the 31st day of March 2026, at the age of 83. 

Wayne was born on the 30th day of January 1943 in Nashville, Tennessee to parents Ray and Anna Ruth Cartwright.  A standout athlete from his youth, he was a four-sport letterman at Isaac Litton High School.  He played one year of baseball at Vanderbilt University, before transferring to David Lipscomb College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

After college, he dedicated a decade to mentoring young athletes as a high school coach and math teacher, shaping lives on and off the court.  He later transitioned into a successful 37-year career as a State Farm Insurance agent, working in Texas City.  His love for sports continued and even as the years passed, he took great joy in picking up the ball and making a few buckets.

A true Texan at heart, Mr. Cartwright found peace and joy working on his farm in East Texas. He was a passionate fan of the Houston Astros, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his favorite team. However, his greatest passion was his faith, serving churches in Hillsboro, Texas City, and League City as a deacon. As a devoted member of the Crockett Road Church of Christ, he loved the Lord deeply and lived his life as a testimony to his Christian faith.

While his professional and athletic achievements were many, Mr. Cartwright’s greatest accomplishment was his family. He was a proud father and grandfather, never missing an opportunity to brag about his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life.  The legacy of faith he leaves behind is evident in the support and messages shared with him by his family during his final days. Their shared thoughts, scriptures, and prayers lifted his spirits and exemplified the life he lived for Christ.

Mr. Cartwright is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Carol Ann Cartwright; his daughter, Melissa Thacker, and her husband, Andrew, of Frisco, Texas; his sons, David Cartwright and his wife, Courtney, of Frisco, Texas, and Paul Cartwright and his wife, April, of Brookshire, Texas; and his sister, Nancy Cartwright, of Nashville, Tennessee.  He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Madison Thacker; Ainsley Hawkins and her husband, Ty; Camryn Darrow and her husband, Kevin; Ellison Brown and her husband, Darius; Audra Cartwright; and Emma Cartwright.  He is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Anna Ruth.

The family wishes to thank those who cared for Wayne following his ALS diagnosis: Lauretta Smith, Jacquelin Cumbie, Joseph Lamaster, and Jodi Brauher.

A service to celebrate Wayne Cartwright’s life is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 11th day of April 2026 at Crockett Road Church of Christ with Dan Manuel officiating the service. Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service.

Those serving as honorary pallbearers include Raymond Pierson, Joseph Lamaster, John Henry Smith, Michael Potthoff, and Casey Rice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed towards Team Gleason Foundation,
P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, Louisiana 70184.

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Memorial and cremation services for Paul Wayne Cartwright are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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