Alton Wayne Gathright

Alton “Wayne” Gathright, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a longtime resident of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. Born on January 5, 1945, Wayne was the beloved son of Halsie Jane (Chilton) Gathright of Birch Tree, Missouri, and Herman Keele Gathright of Huttig, Arkansas.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Isabel Singer Gathright; their daughter Leslie Renee Masson and her husband Sandy of Devon, Pennsylvania; and their son Jason Wayne Gathright and his wife Barbi (Harrison) of Prairieville, Louisiana. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Alasdair Masson of New Orleans, Louisiana; Douglas and Caroline Masson of Devon, Pennsylvania; and Sara “Reese” and Harrison “Reed” Gathright of Prairieville, Louisiana.

He is also survived by his nieces Gail (Gathright) Hines of Austin, Texas; Kathleen (Richard) Callahan of Baton Rouge; Donna (Richard) Rainone of Palestine, Texas; Kelly (Richard) Brown of New Orleans; his nephew Reid Richard of Baton Rouge; and his cherished cousin Frank Harrison of Lafayette, Louisiana.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Billie Ruth (Gathright) and her husband Oscar Gabriel Richard and their daughter Linda (Richard) Abadie; and his brother Herman “Sonny” Gathright and his wife Jo (Buckingham) and their son Keel Gathright.

A 1962 graduate of Istrouma High School, Wayne attended LSU and later graduated from Northwestern Louisiana University in Natchitoches. His lifelong passion for aviation led him to train aspiring pilots both in the air and in the classroom—an experience that shaped his love of mentoring others throughout his life.

Wayne began his career at the ESSO Oil Refinery in Baton Rouge as a meter and instrument technician, gaining valuable knowledge in refinery operations and process controls. After college, he worked for Leeds & Northrup before joining Moore Products Company, where he built a distinguished 30-year career in engineering sales and management. He led offices in both New Orleans and Little Rock, guiding teams through the growth of the oil, gas, and pulp and paper industries. When Moore Products was acquired by Siemens Energy and Automation, he continued his service until his retirement in 2004. Wayne deeply valued the relationships he formed with colleagues and customers, many of whom remained lifelong friends.

Raised Methodist, Wayne became Catholic while raising his family. He was known for his honesty, integrity, loyalty, and compassion. He quietly practiced daily kindness—keeping envelopes of money and handwritten notes such as “You are loved” or “Something to cheer you” in his car to give to those in need. When others questioned how the money might be used, Wayne would simply say, “That is on them, not me. God wants us to help others, not judge them.”

As a Stage 4 cancer survivor, Wayne was a dedicated supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, believing deeply that children deserved the best care possible without financial hardship for their families.

Wayne embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved flying, golfing, traveling, RVing with his wife and grandchildren, cruising with friends, meeting new people, and tackling projects around the house. His legacy lives on in the memories he created, the relationships he nurtured, and the kindness he shared so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Wayne will be cremated in Arkansas. A graveside service will be held later in March at Green Oaks Cemetery on Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.