Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend, Waynick Eugene Rooney Sr., age 83, passed away on February 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Mobile, Alabama, on February 1, 1943, Waynick grew up in a close-knit community and attended Vigor High School. During his school years, he played football—always cheering on “Roll Tide Roll!” He enjoyed boxing and developing lifelong friendships along the way.
Waynick proudly served in the US Army Medical Corps before embarking on a professional career with the Life of Georgia and later retiring from Northrop Grumman/HII in Pascagoula, MS. His dedication and work ethic made him a respected colleague and friend.
Waynick is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Bertha Mae Rooney; brothers and sisters, Vaun Rooney (Belinda), Sandra Horn (Mark), Marion George and Joe Rooney; sons, Michael Eugene Rooney (Vicki) and Waynick Eugene Rooney Jr. (Terri); one daughter, Augustine Beige Steed (Brian); nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Eugene Rooney; mother, Alice Bardie Rooney; brother, Charles Rooney; sisters, Anita Buck (Herb), Augustine Byrd (Red), and Joann Wilson (Donnie); and his granddaughter, Devinee Rooney.
Waynick’s passions included Alabama football, fishing, boating, and he had a deep love for wildlife, especially purple martins, cardinals, and hummingbirds. He cherished the company of his family dog, Cody, and he never met a stranger, always welcoming everyone as family. Waynick will be remembered for his generous spirit, unwavering kindness, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate his remarkable life and to share memories at a service on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road in Daphne, AL, at 12:30PM. There will be a time of visitation before the service beginning at 11:30AM. Interment will follow at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL, at 2PM.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
You will forever be missed uncle Gene!.. Until we meet again!.. take care of all the family!.. I’ll keep your gumbo alive!..