The Reverend Charles Wright, Sr.

1941 - 2025

The Reverend Charles Wright, Sr. was born on January 5, 1941 in Bronx, New York, a son of Minnie Wright Buckner and William Wright. On Monday, April 14, 2025, after having fought a good fight, Rev. Wright accepted God’s hand and went home to receive his crown. 

Rev. Wright was educated in the public schools of Bronx, New York and Orangeburg County. He furthered his education at Trident Technical College. He was employed by Mobile Chemical Company, Santee Cement, Al Bilton Ford, Husquanz. The education he received at Trident Technical college allowed him to become an entrepreneur and open Wrights Body Shop 

In March of 1958, while stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Rev. Wright received orders during the Vietnam war to deploy to Germany.  During his time in the U.S. Armed Forces, he achieved the rank of Sergeant and served as Ranger, Paratrooper, Raider and Raider Instructor.  

On November 12, 1972, Rev. Wright was ordained at Wesley Christian Church, Lincolnville, SC under Presiding Bishop J.C. Fowler. In 1980, he was appointed to the committee regarding Black and Hispanic Concerns of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ (D.O.C.), as a representative of the National Convocation of the Christian Church. Rev. Wright would go on to serve in several other positions; Regional Moderator of the Christian Church (D.O.C.), S.C. Convention Moderator, Regional Board Member (2 years), Regional Finance Committee (2 years), Convocation Vice Moderator (2 years), Convocation Moderator (2 years), Secretary of the Commission on Ministry, Chairman of the Commission on Ministry. On the national level, he attended leadership training in Indianapolis, Indiana and was appointed by Dr. R. Ham, President of D.O.C. Worldwide, to serve three years on the Discernment Committee. 

As a young minister, Rev. Wright was chosen to pastor several congregations where he continued the Lord’s work. Cherry Grove Christian Church, D.O.C., where they were able to add brick to the building; Ashton Branch Christian Church, D.O.C., Three Mile Creek, D.O.C., New Hope Christian Church, D.O.C., wherein they were recognized as the largest increase in membership on the National Level and New Grove Hall Christian Church, D.O.C., where he pastored for a total of 36 years. They also renovated on two occasions adding brick to the building, new pews, and baptism pool, renovated the pastor’s study and restrooms. Later, New Grove Hall Christian Church D.O.C. name was changed to New Grove Hall Jesus is Lord (JIL). 

He will forever be remembered and his memories lovingly cherished by: his wife, Gwendolyn Ritter Wright of Holly Hill, SC; his children Charles Wright Jr. of Greenville, SC, Karen (Vonde) Williams of Fayetteville, NC, Vickie M. Wright of Broken Arrow, Ok, Kevin (Minnie) Small of Holly Hill, SC, Michael Small of Columbia, SC, Brittney S. Small of North Augusta, GA, Mark Small of Holly Hill, SC.;  sisters Mary L. Mack of Holly Hill, SC and Augustine Shannon of Holly Hill, SC; sister-in-law Barbara (Ray) Hilliard of Santee, SC; brother Alfred C. Wright Matamoras, PA; special grandchild Jeremy B. Wright, special great grandchildren Braxton Hodges and Zoey Hodges, along with twenty-two grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The family will be receiving friends at the residence. Online condolences may be sent to www.shulermarshallfuneralhome.com.