Wayne Gilreath

Lentis Wayne Gilreath (Age 83) of Calhoun, Georgia, formally of Kennedy, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 surrounded by his wife and two sons. Wayne is survived by his wife of sixty years, June Gilreath, son Thomas Gilreath (Kristin Gilreath), son Bartt Gilreath (Rebekah Gilreath), and his beloved grandchildren Kenna, Brody and Ella Beth. Additionally he is survived by his two sisters Linda Potter and Sherry Welsh (Billy Welsh).

Wayne served in the Alabama National Guard for eight years and built a successful thirty-eight year career in the telecommunication industry working in both Alabama and Georgia. Wayne’s true passions included supporting University of Alabama athletics, reading books in the Western genre, coaching and following local youth sports, guiding quail hunts and sharing his love of bluegrass music with anyone who would listen. “Papa G” or “Coach G” impacted the lives of many children whom he coached, while acting as their teacher and role model.

Wayne was a member of the Fayette, Alabama Jaycees and was the chairperson of the Joey Day project, which provided gifts to children in need. He was also a member of the Fairmount, Georgia Kiwanis, where he served in several leadership roles, including President and Lt. Governor. His heart for volunteer work extended also too coaching, adopting children for Christmas, building wheelchair ramps, sharing the bounty of his garden with the community, and buying cleats for his players. Wayne was also an active member of the Wesley Chapel United Methodist church in both Fayette County, Alabama and Calhoun, Georgia where he volunteered as well.

Wayne was a man who never met a stranger and found the good in everyone. His kind soul and joyous spirit will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Calhoun, GA at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to the CL Strong Foundation, Inc. at North Georgia National Bank, 350 W Belmont Dr, Calhoun, GA 30701.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Lentis Wayne Gilreath