Richard "Dick" Wainwright

Richard “Dick” Walter Wainwright was born May 9, 1931, in Greensburg, Pa to John and Maggie Wainwright, first generation Americans, immigrants from England in early the 1920’s. Dick grew up on Green Street in southwest Greensburg with his sister Kathy (Mathias) and graduated from Greensburg High School in 1949. After graduating from drafting school, Dick followed his father and was employed at Jeannette Tire and Rubber Company in Jeannette, Pa. Dick worked as a machinist in the experimental machine shop, a unit that built and tested new equipment. Dick was drafted into the US Army in 1954, at the end of the Korean War and served 2 years as a truck/tank mechanic, stationed in Ft. Hood in Aberdeen, Texas. In 1957, Dick married Patricia (Pat) Hobaugh of Indiana, Pa at the First Presbyterian Church in Greensburg, Pa. The couple resided in Greensburg. As many of his generation, Dick worked two jobs so Pat could stay home with the children during their preschool years. One notable family vacation included a 6 week trip around the country in a three seated station wagon, including pancake breakfasts at rest stops on picnic tables using a cook stove. In 1977, Dick accepted the position of Plant Engineer at Wilson Sporting Goods and was instrumental in opening the golf ball manufacturing plant in Humboldt, Tn. In 1988, Dick took a position as plant engineer at Purodenso in Jackson, Tn. In addition to his duties Dick designed an air filter utilized in a race car. He retired in 1992 and he and Pat moved to Memphis to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Dick was active in the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts from 1941-2012, serving for many years in various positions of responsibility including troop leader and commissioner. Some of Dick’s scouting achievements include Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver Award. Throughout his retired years, Dick volunteered with the Red Cross including deployments after hurricanes and storms to assess personal property damage and engaged with local churches setting up disaster relief locations. Dick was active in the Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon, elder, scout leader and volunteered his time to maintain the church buildings and property. For many years he operated the sound system during services at the First Presbyterian church in Jackson. Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years Pat, children Sue McManus of Bartlett, Tn., Lisa Wainwright of Arlington, Va., Matthew and Marybeth (Landers) Wainwright of Arlington, Tn., three grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Dick was predeceased by his mother and father John and Maggie Wainwright, and sister Kathleen Mathias. Dick truly loved his life and lived it serving others. Dick possessed a kind spirit and was loved by all he met. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family will receive friends this evening, Friday, April 4 from 5-7 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd. Celebration of Life services will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at the funeral home with interment to follow in Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at www.memphisfuneralhome.net . In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Boy Scouts of America in Dick’s name.