Wayne Tritt

Wayne Tritt, age 82, a devoted husband, father, farmer, ginner, and faithful servant of his community, passed away on March 10, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and love for his family.

After attending college, Wayne returned home to partner with his father in the family farming business. Together they established M. E. Tritt and Son Farms, M.E. Tritt and Son Fertilizer Company, and Tritt Seed. Following his father’s passing in 1982, Wayne assumed responsibility for the ginning operations at Zion Gin Company, faithfully continuing the work his father had begun.

Wayne married his beloved wife, Patsy Richardson Tritt, in 1964. Together they raised two children, Stewart and Libba, who were the pride and joy of his life. In 1990, Wayne joined with fellow ginners to form the cotton marketing cooperative Beltwide, which later became Procot. He remained actively involved with the organization until his final days. He also served as a past director of the Southern Cotton Ginners Association, dedicating his time and expertise to the agricultural community he cherished.

A man of deep faith, Wayne served as a deacon at Mercer Baptist Church, known for his steady character and servant’s heart. Above all, he loved his family deeply and was admired for his strong work ethic, his dedication to those he employed, and his lifelong commitment to his church, his industry, and those closest to him.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Richardson Tritt; his children, Stewart Tritt (Sherry) and Libba Ellington (Rad); sisters, Dare Simpson and Diane Wright (Billy); eleven grandchildren, Evan Ellington (Rachel), Morris Tritt (Mary Drake), Katherine Rodgers (Greg), Ford Ellington (Lauren), Elizabeth Siler (Ryan), Tritt Ellington (Madison), Thomas Tritt (Amanda), David Tritt, Emerson Tritt, Will Tritt, and Jack Tritt; nineteen great-grandchildren; his office manager of 34 years, Norma Austin; and many friends, colleagues, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice Elton Tritt and Virginia Stewart Tritt.