Daniel Mcinnis

Wayne McInnis was born in 1956, only child of Frankie and Daniel McInnis. His youth was spent working with his father at the family’s John Deer company and on the family’s farm. Wayne’s unyielding passion was playing the piano. He, from an early age, surrounded himself with music, a trait that endured throughout his life.  Through music, Wayne warmed hearts and opened minds. He generously gave of this time, talent, and all that he had, in service to love and friendship, and in support of Meridian area church communities, particularly St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where for the past 10 years he had been the Resident Musician.

He studied at the University of Southern Mississippi; piano performance at Meridian Community College; and, completed advanced study in piano performance at Louisiana State University.  Wayne began his professional career in Houston, Texas, where, for 10 years, he was the Resident Pianist for the Downton Houston Double Tree Hotel. He returned to Meridian at the time of his father’s death to care for his beloved and aging mother. Once back, Wayne became a much sought-after pianist for the Meridian Little Theater and the Temple Theater for the Performing Arts, area churches, and private events. In addition to musical performance, he worked at Westly House where he loved and cared for all people be they old, poor, addicted, with grace. One of his contributions was using his musical talents to raise over $50,000  of funds for those devastated by hurricane Katrina.

He was surrounded by a wide circle of friends and family who loved and cherished him. Wayne leaves us with the memories of his wide sincere smile, ability to find the good in all people (often in spite of themselves), humorous to hilarious comments, provocative commentaries, and infectious laughter. Most of all he leaves those of us fortunate to have known him with his example of living an authentic life, one of loving yourself without pretense or regrets, with good humor and humility. Wayne passed on Saturday March 5th, with Father Augustine, St Patrick’s Catholic Church, family members and close friends holding his hands. Perhaps the best description of Wayne was Father Augustine’s, “such a beautiful soul.”

Services are at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Visitation at 10:00AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 Am March 11, 2022. Family and Friends will proceed to Coker’s Chapple, Vimeville, for grave side and return to St. Patrick’s for reception.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Daniel Wayne McInnis Scholarship Fund, checks made to at St Patrick Catholic School, attention Daniel Wayne McInnis scholarship Fund.