Dr. Stanford P. Gwin

Dr. Stanford Payne Gwin, of Hattiesburg, MS, peacefully passed through the veil surrounded by many family members on January 17, 2026, at the age of 87.

During his life, Dr. Gwin was a dedicated husband, father, professor, mentor, Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, sports enthusiast, and disciple of Jesus Christ. He married his sweetheart, Charlotte Gentry Gwin, on November 21, 1962, and spent the rest of his life devoted to caring for her and their four children, four children-in-law, 19 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He loved unconditionally and never limited his family to blood relations. He expanded his circle to include his students, colleagues, racquetball and pickleball partners, Scouts, and those he served as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Stan began his distinguished academic career as an undergraduate at the University of Southern Mississippi. He continued his education at the University of Florida, where he obtained a Ph.D. in Communications. Shortly after completing his doctorate degree, he returned to his beloved Golden Eagles, where he was a professor in the Communication Department for 32 years. After retiring from USM, Dr. Gwin expanded his educational influence to the students at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, from 2001 to 2010, when he begrudgingly turned over the reins of academia to the next generation of educators for good. He eventually returned to his Southern roots and lived the rest of his life in Hattiesburg, surrounded by many of his family members and closest friends.

As a lifelong student and teacher, one of his favorite areas of study was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His devotion to his family and education was fueled by love for the Savior and an unshakable testimony of his duty as a child of God. He served in many clergy positions as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent decades administering to members of the Church as a teacher, bishop, and Scoutmaster. He devoted years as a member of the Mississippi Jackson Mission Presidency to guiding missionaries from all over the world as they taught the Gospel in Mississippi. His life was guided by his testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and his unwavering belief in the eternal nature of family.

Dr. Stanford Payne Gwin is survived by his wife and eternal companion, Charlotte; children, Stan (Kristi), Stephen (Wendy), Brian (Stacey), and Elizabeth (Jeremy); 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; siblings, Stephen (Mary Linn), Judy, and Dianne; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and others he loved dearly.

Services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, beginning with a viewing at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2502 Old Hwy 24, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.