Benjamin T. Wainwright

February 5, 2022

Benjamin T. Wainwright, 95, died suddenly on Feb. 5, 2022, from complication of diabetes. Ben was born in April 1926 to Benjamin and Eva Wainwright. He was born in Poquoson, Va and moved to Portsmouth as a young boy, residing in Portsmouth the rest of his life. Ben graduated from Churchland High School and was a member of Churchland Lions Club and served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for more than 25 years. After high school, Ben joined the Air Force and fought for his country during WWII. He flew many dangerous bombing missions as tail gunner and as a result he developed a love for aviation. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Ben went to work for Naval Station Norfolk as an aircraft machinist. Following his retirement, Ben felt a wanderlust to travel the world and was happiest when he was traveling. He eventually visited all 7 continents and every point between that he could get to. He was always planning a new trip as soon as he got home from his current adventure. His love for traveling was only surpassed by his love for his family and his beloved cat, Bubba. Ben is survived by his wife Mildred “Duckie” Wainwright, daughters Jeanne Geister of Michigan and Donna Moorehead of Portsmouth, brother Donald Wainwright (Dorothy) of Chesapeake, sister Elizabeth Jackson of Newport News, granddaughter Dana Griffin of Gloucester, grandsons Kenneth Wainwright of Gloucester and Jon Thomas “JT” Wainwright of Portsmouth, 3 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandson and numerous nieces and nephews. Ben was predeceased by his first wife Ada Wainwright, son Thomas Wainwright, brother Henry Wainwright and sister Margaret Moore. The family will receive visitors who would like to celebrate Ben’s life on Monday, Feb. 14th from 6:00-7:30 pm at Loving Funeral Home, Churchland. A private graveside burial will take place at Olive Branch Cemetery.