Wayne Ervin Cartwright

Wayne Ervin Cartwright of Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 76.

Wayne was born on August 21, 1949, in Pensacola, Florida. After graduating from Escambia High School in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army. He finished basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and he completed flight school at Fort Wolters, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Alabama, to achieve the rank of warrant officer as a helicopter pilot. He was stationed in Vietnam for his tour of duty, training V-NAF pilots and flying various missions. After his military career, he established a masonry business with his friend Ed Lechner. His final career, however, was in the public works department at Pensacola Naval Air Station as a civilian project coordinator.

On March 3rd, 1973, he married Phyllis Helms in Pensacola, Florida, and together they shared 53 wonderful years.

Wayne enjoyed cooking for family and friends, building collections of items that interested him, and watching old westerns.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Cartwright; daughters Kim (Michael) Sharp and Traci Henson; sister Regina Brand; grandchildren Alexis (Jae) Fisher, Hannah (Joseph) Moore, Michaela Sharp, and Lily Kate Sharp; and 3 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father L.Z. Cartwright, his mother Lorene Cartwright, sister Karen Hillburn, sister Bessie Brown, and brother James Cartwright.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Eastern Gate Memorial on May 22, with visitation at 2 pm and memorial service at 3pm, followed by graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any veteran’s organization or cancer foundation of your choice.