William Bill Wright, Jr.

William (Bill) Wright, Jr., 85, passed away at Appalachian Christian Village after a long illness. Mr. Wright was the son of the late William and Mary Miller Wright. He was born in Erwin, TN and was member of the Erwin Masonic Lodge 491 for over 55 years. Mr. Wright served in the Merchant Marines and in the Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. After the service, he worked as a steam and diesel engine mechanic for Clinchfield Railroad in Erwin. He retired from Sperry Univac and was a long-time resident of Bristol, TN and a member of the Central Christian Church of Bristol. Bill was a loving, gentle husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Albert and Fred Wright and Nell Wright Rule. He is survived by Helen Waddell Wright, his loving wife of 60 years; son Bill Wright, III and wife Angela of Jonesborough; daughter, Anne Tallman and husband Bob Tallman of Johnson City; three grandsons, Bill Wright, IV, Ben Wright and Matt Tallman; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral service for William (Bill) Wright will be conducted at 3 PM Thursday, October 4, 2012, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Mr. David Clark, Minister will officiate. The graveside committal service will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM Thursday prior to the service. The family would like to thank the staff of Pine Oaks Assisted Living, Appalachian Christian Village and Caris Healthcare and Robin Price for their care and support.