Wayne Proffitt

12/17/1938 - 08/11/2025

Wayne Proffitt, Sr., of Opelika, passed away on August 11, 2025, at the age of 86.

He was born Johnnie Wayne Proffitt in Gadsden, Alabama, on December 17, 1938, to Johnnie Alexander Proffitt and Ruby D White Proffitt. Wayne attended Emma Samson High School where his athletic talent on the football field quickly caught the attention of college scouts across the Southeast. In 1957, he accepted a scholarship from Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan to play halfback at Alabama Polytechnic Institute—soon renamed Auburn University. While still a freshman, Wayne married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Donna Gail Sherrill Proffitt. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Kim Proffitt Taylor, in 1959.

Thanks to a referral from Coach Jordan, Wayne began his coaching career in 1961 at Early County High School in Blakely, Georgia. It was the first of many stops in a remarkable 43-year journey that took him across Southwest Georgia and East Alabama, becoming respectfully known as "Coach." Coach and Mrs. Donna welcomed their second child, Wayne Proffitt, Jr., in 1963 while living in Blakely.

Over the years, Wayne coached football, basketball, track, and golf teams at numerous schools: Albertville High School (AL, 1965–1966), Miller County High School (GA, 1966–1970), Southwest Georgia Academy (GA, 1970–1973), Scott Preparatory School (AL, 1973–1978), Lakeside School (AL, 1979–1981), Riverview Academy (GA, 1981–1987), Auburn High School (AL, 1987–1994), Seminole High School (GA, 1994–1999), his alma mater, Emma Samson High School (AL, 1999–2003), and Manchester High School (GA, 2004). He continued teaching until his retirement in 2015.

Coach Proffitt's football teams posted an extraordinary career record of 312–122–4. He was named "Coach of the Year" ten times. Yet the measure of his success wasn't just in numbers—it was in the hundreds of young men and women he mentored. He taught discipline, teamwork, and the importance of character. Many former players remained in touch for decades, turning to him not only for advice, but for friendship.

After retiring, Wayne and Donna returned to the Auburn area in 2015 to be near family. Known affectionately as "Pop", Wayne poured himself into family life. He delighted in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow, enjoying fishing and playing golf, keeping an eye on every Auburn football season with the same passion he had as a young player.

Wayne is survived by his sisters Jean Petty (Jimmy) and Joan Weygand; daughter Kim Taylor (David); granddaughters Brook Peavy (Jimmy), Kathryn Todd (Dalton), and Kelly Rice (Tyler); great-grandchildren Bennett Peavy, Emma, Ella, and Tate Todd, Sunnie and John Tyler Rice; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Gail Sherrill Proffitt; father, Johnnie Alexander Proffitt; mother, Ruby D Proffitt; sister, Judy Smith (Jimmy); son, Wayne Proffitt, Jr.; and grandson, Ben Bentley.

Visitation will be held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama, on Friday, August 15, at 1:00 PM. A service will follow at 2:30 PM, with graveside rites at Memorial Park Cemetery in Auburn.

The service will be officiated by Alec Howell and Coach Bill Murdock, with piano accompaniment by Becky Peavy and vocalist Tamara Garner. Pallbearers will include past players Buddy Bruce, Jay Harper, and Steve Wamick, along with family members Jay Smith, Freddy Weygand, Johnny Smith, Jimmy Peavy, Dalton Todd, and Tyler Rice.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Brother Rusty Sowell, the staff at Arbor Lakes Health and Rehab, East Alabama Medical Center, Sam Gray, Betty Taylor, and Joseph Dean and the staff at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home for their care and support.

Whether known as Wayne, Daddy, Coach, or Pop, he will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and integrity—a hero to all who knew him.

War Eagle!

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.