Joe Wright

Joe Wright, affectionately known as Papa Joe, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025.

A native of Cleveland County, Joe grew up in the Polkville area and graduated from Polkville High School. He went on to attend Mars Hill College before beginning a successful and varied career in business. He was especially proud of the 15 years he spent with Piedmont Aviation.

An entrepreneur at heart, Joe opened Shelby’s first Honda motorcycle dealership, the Honda Corral, and went on to establish several other businesses in the Shelby area. Adventurous by nature, Joe developed a love for flying after watching Fred Simmons fly near his childhood home. He earned his pilot's license, became a member of the Civil Air Patrol, and volunteered countless hours at the Shelby Municipal Airport.

Joe also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and loved exploring the open road on his Honda Gold Wing. After retiring, he followed his love of the water to Oriental, NC, where he worked at the Oriental Marina and Bow to Stern Yacht Services. He later earned his U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license and sailed extensively up and down the East Coast and as far as the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Joe is survived by his children: Dean Wright (Susan) of Raleigh, NC; Ricky Wright (Anne) of Columbia, SC; and Wendy Rogers of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by his brother Don Wright (Vickie), and his nephew Phillip Wright, both of Polkville.

He leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Lindsay Wright Hendrix (Tyler), Evan Wright, Connor Rogers, Mason Rogers, Kendall Rogers, Morgan Wright, and Trenle Wright; and one great-grandson, Grady Scott Hendrix.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Mattie Wright; his sister, Nell Wright Covington; his nephew, Don Wright Jr.; and his wife, Jane Williams Wright.

Known for his gregarious spirit and warm personality, Joe made friends everywhere he went and touched many lives along the way. He will be dearly missed.

A graveside service officiated by Rev. Ervin Price will be held at Rehobeth Community Church at 2036 Rehobeth Church Rd. Shelby NC, on Saturday August 16 at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Joe’s memory to Camp Sea Gull or Camp Seafarer—two coastal camps that reflect his enduring love of adventure and sailing.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.