Paul Wayne Cartwright, age 83, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on March 31, 2026, following a courageous battle with ALS.
He was born on January 30, 1943, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Ray and Anna Ruth Cartwright. He lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and dedication to others.
Early Life, Education, and Career
Wayne Cartwright grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, where he developed strong values and a passion for both academics and sports. At Isaac Litton High School, he was a four-sport letterman and stood out as a disciplined and determined student athlete.
He later attended Vanderbilt University, where he played baseball for one year before transferring to David Lipscomb College. There, he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
After completing his education, Wayne began his professional journey as a high school mathematics teacher and coach.
For ten years, he mentored young students and athletes, guiding them not only in academics and sports but also in character and personal growth. He was widely respected for his patience, encouragement, and ability to inspire others.
He later built a long and successful career as a State Farm insurance agent in Texas City, serving for 37 years.
He was known for his honesty, reliability, and strong relationships with clients and the community. Even after retirement, he remained active and engaged with those around him.
Faith, Family, and Legacy
Faith was the foundation of Wayne Cartwright’s life. He served as a deacon in churches in Hillsboro, Texas City, and League City.
He was also a devoted member of Crockett Road Church of Christ, where he lived out his beliefs through service, kindness, and commitment to others.
He found joy in simple things, including working on his East Texas farm and spending time outdoors. He was a lifelong sports fan, especially devoted to the Houston Astros, and continued to enjoy basketball throughout his life.
Wayne was married to Carol Ann Cartwright for more than 59 years.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Cartwright; his children, Melissa Thacker and her husband Andrew of Frisco, Texas, David Cartwright and his wife Courtney of Frisco, Texas, and Paul Cartwright and his wife April of Brookshire, Texas; his sister, Nancy Cartwright of Nashville, Tennessee; and his 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 was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Anna Ruth Cartwright. The family expressed gratitude to those who cared for him during his illness, including Lauretta Smith, Jacquelin Cumbie, Joseph Lamaster, and Jodi Brauher.
A service will be held on April 11, 2026, at Crockett Road Church of Christ in Palestine, Texas, with a visitation one hour before the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Team Gleason Foundation.
Wayne Cartwright will be remembered for his faith, his devotion to family, his long service as an educator and professional, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met.
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