William Otis Wright

William Otis Wright was born on April 25, 1943 in Vero Beach, FL and departed this earthly life on February 13, 2022. His parents were the late Estella Johnson and John Lee Wright and was the oldest of five siblings. He attended Gifford High School where he obtained his diploma in 1962. He played football where he was nicknamed "Pony" and ran track and was a member of Future Educators of America. He was drafted in the United States Army while attending Florida A&M University. After serving his tour of duty in the Vietnam War, he returned to Florida A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education specializing in Mathematics. In 1970, William, affectionately known as Roy, returned to Indian River County where he was hired as an Algebra teacher for the Indian River County School District where he taught for 31 years until his retirement in 2001. On November 24, 1972, he married the love of his life, Verna. They have been joined in holy matrimony for 49 years.
He had a passion for fishing, watching football and westerns, gardening, hitting golf balls, studying the word of God, all things involving his beloved FAMU Rattlers and anything involving spending time with his grandkids. His was known for his quick-wit, no nonsense demeanor, his kind and compassionate spirit, his vast knowledge of complex mathematics and being a man of little words. Mr. Wright was a highly respected and revered educator throughout Indian River County.
During his career Roy received various honors including Dollars for Scholars Apple Award recipient, Mighty Class of 1974 Honorary Teacher and the Special Service Award from the State of Florida Parks and Services.
Mr. Wright was raised as a Christian and a faithful church member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. all his young and adult life. He attended church constantly with his grandfather Frank Brown. Mr. Wright was an active member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church serving as trustee and a member of the finance committee. He passed on his love of God to his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Lee Wright, his mother Estella Johnson and his brother Major J. Johnson. Left to cherish his precious memories: his beloved wife, Verna Wright. Children: One son, Anthony (Sharon) Simmons, Sr., Three daughters: Raquel Wright, Kimberly Wright and Nichelle (Timothy) Rains all of Vero Beach, FL. Siblings: Sisters. Indell Johnson of Orlando, FL and Linda Pompee of Tampa, FL and one brother, Terrance (Veronica) Johnson of Orlando, FL. One loving brother-in-law, Tony D. Bridgewater of Hinesville, GA. Nine grandchildren: Amaya, Kalani, Kamara, Treysen, Carter, Miranda, Jasmine, Anthony Jr. and Jauhvierh. 12 great-grands and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and coworkers. Godchildren, Jimita (Mark) Johnson-Jones and Ellis Culmer. Special caregiver and friend, Amanda White.
Roy was bright spark in this world, touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed by all. He was a strong, courageous, God-fearing man of God. His legacy will live on thorough all of them.
Public visitation for William Wright will take place on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel in Vero Beach, FL. Funeral services will convene on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Mount Zion AME Church in Vero Beach, FL beginning at 10:00am. Burial will immediately follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
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