Chris "Coach" Michael Wainwright

Chris “Coach” Michael Wainwright, age 77, of Gautier, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.  He was born on January 4, 1947 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late David H. Wainwright and Dora Lee McDonald Wainwright. 

Chris graduated from Gulfport High School in 1965 and received his Bachelors of Education in 1969 from University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.  On July 29, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, RoyLynn Ladner Wainwright. Coach taught Physical Education at Gautier Junior High, Gautier Elementary, Singing River Elementary, and College Park Elementary and retired in 1996.  In 1996 until 2004, he taught at Resurrection High School in Pascagoula totaling over 35 years of teaching and coaching.   In 2004, he was employed at Jerry Lee’s Grocery Store in Gautier for 6 years.  

He enjoyed being a coach for basketball, softball, track, football, and swimming. He devoted his life to the community at large and will be remembered for the time he spent encouraging and motivating others.

Chris was member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gautier for over 54 years and played his guitar for many weddings, funerals, church services, community festivals and carnivals over the years.   He had a passion for animals and was always known for his love of horses. 

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lynn Wainwright; daughter, Jennifer Wainwright; grandson, Jace Woodruff; granddaughter, JoLee Woodruff; other relatives, church family and great friends.

Visitation will Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 5:00-7:00pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gautier, MS.  Memorial Mass will begin at 7:00pm with Father Arockia Doss and Deacon Robert Illanne officiating.

Because of his love for animals, memorials may be made to Jackson County Animal Shelter in his memory.

You may send condolences to his family or share a memory you may have of Coach Wainwright on the Tribute Wall.

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