Search by Name

Search by Name

Sam Wright Obituary

SYLACAUGA - Memorial service for Mayor Sam High Wright, 73, will be Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2012, from 4-5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sylacauga with Lewis Archer, Don Cross and Charlie Sanders officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. at Sylacauga City Hall.
Wright died Aug. 17, 2012. He was born in Fayette, Al. His parents were John Asa and Josephine High Wright. He was a 1957 graduate of Ashville High School, attended Marion Military Institute to play basketball from 1958 to 1959, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1962.
Wright had multiple athletic accomplishments throughout his academic career. He was company commander at Marion Academy, made the academic dean's list and was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity from 1960-62.
Wright married Cornelia Leigh (Connie) Archer on Feb. 2, 1963, in Sylacauga. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Sylacauga, served on numerous boards and committees during his 45 year association, was a regular Sunday school leader and was involved with youth ministries. He was an active member of Kiwanis International, serving two times as past president and lieutenant governor. He as a member of the Alabama National Guard, the Disaster Relief Team, was chapter chairman of the American Red Cross (two terms) and was Red Cross Blood Drive chairman for eight years.
Wright was a board member of the Talladega Chapter of Crippled Children and Adults, was listed as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America, was elected vice president of the Quarterback Club of Sylacauga and was past district vice president of the University of the Alabama National Alumni Association, chapter president (several terms).
Wright was partner in the Leon Archer Insurance Agency in Sylacauga from 1964-1982 and was principal partner in the Wright-Sprayberry Insurance Agency from 1982-2004. He served on the Sylacauga City Council from 1968-1972 and was elected mayor of Sylacauga in 2004. He was re-elected mayor in 2008. He served on numerous civic and business boards and committees.
He was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching and participating in both team and individual sports, participating in youth sports as a coach, official, organizer and fan. He was a longtime supporter of the University of Alabama and Mississippi State University football programs. He enjoyed working in the yard and swimming, was an avid bicyclists, played golf and basketball, and enjoyed playing with his beloved grandchildren.
_Wright is survived by his wife: Connie A. Wright of Sylacauga; children: Greer Wright Bisignani and husband Tab of Birmingham, and Sam High Wright Jr. of Birmingham; his grandchildren: Kathryn Greer Bisignani, Alexander Wright Bisignani, Sam High Wright III, Madison Leigh Bisignani, Warner Lee Wright, Dixon Archer Bisignani and Christian Hope Wright; and his brother, John Asa Wright (Peggy) of Houston, Texas.
_Memorial funds established:
• Sylacauga Arts Council Marble Festival
• First United Methodist Church
• S.A.F.E.
• Big Oak Ranch
The family wishes to thank their friends for their prayers, loyalty, generosity, encouragement and unending love for the family over the years.
Curtis and Son Funeral Home North Chapel will direct the services.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Home on Aug. 19, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Sam Wright

Not sure what to say?





Kelly Spangler

August 15, 2022

I certainly miss his smile and involvement in the community and enjoyed talking with him about Alabama football. I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Connie's passing as well and I know she is missed by all who knew her. Thinking of both of you Sam and Greer.

George Ford

August 13, 2022

Never get close to Sylacauga without thinking about Sam, and thinking of Connie and the kids. I hope all are well.

Libby Frost

August 21, 2020

Still miss our wonderful Mayor and friend! Such a sweet man!

Buzz Phillips

August 29, 2012

We are so sorry for the loss of Sam. He was a great husband ,father, and grandfather.My late mom and dad loved him so much.He was always so good to us and always had a smile and time for us.We are praying for you and will as the days go by.We will always have great memories of Sam. Buzz Phillips and family.

David Perrett

August 26, 2012

Connie, I just wanted to say how sad I am to hear that Sam has passed away. He made me feel so welcome in Sylacauga during the Marble Festival this past April. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sam will be missed.

Sue Machen McGee Wind

August 22, 2012

Connie, I hurt and grieve with your family. We appreciate how kind Sam always was to Mama and Daddy (Clyde and Vivian Machen) at FUMC. Our earthly loss is heaven's gain. We look forward to spending eternity with him and worshiping and serving our God forever. Sam practiced service all his life, so this will not be a new job description for him. We grieve but not as those who have no hope. May our Lord comfort all your family and carry you through the coming days. Know that you are deeply loved by many.
In His love,

J Oliver

August 22, 2012

Thanks for everything Sam from Sylaward trail.

Vicki Hallmark Cunningham

August 22, 2012

Connie, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sam's footprints in the community and the lives of so many, will be very difficult to fill. I'll always remember his kindness, generousity and thoughfulness, especially in his friendship with my parents. Sam's numerous great traits are found in so few today. God Bless You and your family!

Dorothy Nichols

August 22, 2012

To The Wright Family: Words can not say how the loss of a dear friend has left an empty spot in our heart, all of our family is feeling your pain and sadness, we pray Gods Grace and blessings on the days ahead for you and your family.your friendship is treasured and the love we have for you is unmeasured. you and yours will always be in our prayers.

mr sierra riggins

August 22, 2012

our deepest sympathy and prays reaches out to the wright family in this time of of saddnest he was a good man may "god" bless

Dick Bivin

August 22, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Connie. The Lord will comfort you.

Sam Russell

August 22, 2012

Sam Jr. I was saddened beyond words when I learned of your father's passing. He coached our little league baseball team and I remember him fondly as he was an avid supporter when you and I played football at Sylacauga High. He was a great man and was one of the role models for me growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and your mom. Take care.

Nora Ellen and Ronny

August 21, 2012

You were in our thoughts today as you celebrated Sam's life. Sam will be remembered as a man who loved his God, family, friends and community. We will continue to lift you, Greer and Sam and the grandchildren up in prayer in the days ahead as you each grieve for your love one.

Robin Killough-Angelo

August 21, 2012

Connie:
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart hurts deeply for you, your children and grandchildren. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Murray, David, Matt, Paul, Joel and Missy (Remson) Donaldson The Remson family.

August 21, 2012

May God shine his precious light on the Wright family. Sam was a good man and friend to all.

Patsy Landers-Strickland

August 21, 2012

Praying for you all!!Mr.Sam was the epitome of a true southern gentleman!Always had a smile on his face and always so kind.my heart is heavy for your family

Chris and Tracy (Grimes) Stewart

August 21, 2012

What a wonderful man....a true gentleman! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Larry & Cynthia McGowan

August 21, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Mr. Wright was a wonderful man.

Donnie and Tina Runyan

August 21, 2012

We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I have known Sam for years. He will be missed by many.
God Bless you.

Dan and Kitty, Clyde and Betty Perkins

August 21, 2012

Connie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you, The Perkins

Dan and Kitty Perkins

August 21, 2012

Connie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Ken and Karen Boyd

August 21, 2012

Connie,
Please know in your heart, you and Sam both could light up a room with just your presence. Together, you had such an indelible positive influence on so many. Ken and I include ourselves among those who were so blessed to be in your presence and to learn from each of you. There are no words of comfort I can think of at the moment; only that the presence of the Holy Spirit lies within you and your family. Sam is among the angels, he is in the presence of those that know the purity of love, who feel no pain, and most of all now knows the meaning of pure joy. Please know that Ken and I will continue to send our prayers of comfort and peace your way for a very long time.

Heather White

August 21, 2012

Connie.. Words can not express the sorrow that I am feeling for Mr. Sam.. he was a generous and loving individual who provided a lot for this community! He will be missed for a lifetime. He gave me strength and courage when no one else did and I will forever appreciate that! God Bless You and your family!!

Joe Teel, Mrs Felicia Teel and Family

August 21, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Sherry Hill

August 21, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Sam was such as great man and will be missed by so many. My thoughts are prayers are with you during this time.

August 21, 2012

Connie my thoughts and prayers are with you and the children.
Jeanette Taylor Classmate of Sam

Betsy Burkhalter

August 21, 2012

CONNIE, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOURS!!!! SO SORRY!!!!

Averette Penick Mull

August 21, 2012

Connie, your loss has touched me, my heart reaches out to you and your family. Words are difficult but thoughts and prayers embrace you in abundance. God's peace

August 21, 2012

I will miss Sam. He was always so kind to me. I have lost a good friend. Elaine Mitchem

Michele Ryan

August 21, 2012

Connie, Greer and Sam, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Michele & Mike Ryan

Patsy Landers-Strickland

August 21, 2012

Praying for you all!!Mr.Sam was the epitome of a true southern gentleman!Always had a smile on his face and always so kind.my heart is heavy for your family

Janett & Jerry Williamson

August 20, 2012

Love and Prayers

Kelly Spangler

August 20, 2012

Sam, Greer, and Mrs. Wright,
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Wright's passing. He was always so supportive of us as kids and teenagers. I have fond memories of all of you as we grew up in our small town. My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Sincerely,
Kelly Culberson Spangler

Alice Pitchford Cislo

August 20, 2012

Thoughts and prayers to Connie, Greer, Little Sam and all their families. He was always so friendly, helpful...bigger than life. I am so so sorry for your loss.

Gina Haynes & Family

August 20, 2012

Sam you will be greatly missed. Love and Prayers for your family at this time.
God Grace is Sufficient.

Betty (Phillips) Lessley

August 20, 2012

Connie, Thinking of you and your family in this difficult time! Sam will be missed! You are all in my prayers!

Meagan Jones

August 20, 2012

Mr. Sam was a great and wonderful man. He meant so much to all of us kids from Wright & Sprayberry...I will always remember his smile and laugh... He could always bring joy to a room with just a smile..

Daughter of Paula C. Jones

August 20, 2012

My sympathy for the loss of your husband, father & grandfather. I knew Sam when we both attended the University of Alabama, some fifty plus years ago. He was a person of fine character even then, and I never forgot him. I am so happy he had a good life and such a beautiful family!!
JDB

August 20, 2012

Mrs. Wright and family,
I know we don't know each other well, but we wanted to express deepest sympathy during this tragic time in your life. We pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and lift you up and comfort you as you truly need it.
Love and sympathy.
Gary andn Sharon Mitchell, Sylacauga, AL

Tina Mattox

August 20, 2012

My deepest sympathy to you all. May the wonderful memories you have with Mr. Wright help you through the days ahead. God bless you all.

Kim Crawford

August 20, 2012

Our hearts is deeply sadden by this but know that God IS... so find comfort and strength in Him family. Our deepest sympathy to you Mrs Wright and family. He will be deeply missed.

Barbara Gortney

August 20, 2012

Sam was awesome and I thought the world of him.He will be missed greatly. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless,
Barbara

Lynn Payton

August 20, 2012

Connie, Greer, Sam Jr & family,
I can't begin to express the complete sorrow and helplessness that has come over all of us here at Wright-Sprayberry. I have enjoyed my times with Sam and things will never be the same without him. I'm so thankful and proud to call him my friend. If I can help you in any way, I am just a phone call away. Anytime. Love and prayers to you all,
Lynn

Kady Bryant

August 20, 2012

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Tammy Smith

August 20, 2012

Sam will truly be missed by the City of Sylacauga, he was a great man. Every time I saw him he always smiled & spoke to me. The family is in my thoughts & prayers.

Councilmember Billy Pearson

August 20, 2012

To The Family,I,m So Sorry For Your Lost,I,m Going To Miss Networking With The Honorable Sam Wright May Your Hearts Be Filled With Great Memories.

Darlene Touart

August 20, 2012

You are all in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.

Darlene Touart

Karen Elston

August 20, 2012

May God Bless You. Sorry for you loss.

Tommy and Donna Brown

August 20, 2012

Our love, thoughts and prayers and with you all at this difficult time. Sam will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.

Meredith (Gooch) Ellis

August 20, 2012

Sam, I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful man and husband and father! I know this is such a hard time, and I wanted you to know we will keep you and your family in our constant thoughts and prayers. May God hold you and comfort you, he will be greatly missed!

Nelson Rollins

August 20, 2012

We are all saddened with the news of Sam's passing. He was such a good man, and I will always remember him telling me he will meet me in Riddleton, TN.
Now is not a time of asking why, but what's next. Keep prayer in your hearts, and you will find the answers. That is what Sam would want from us.

Cheryl Smith

August 20, 2012

Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Joan Collins

August 20, 2012

Very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family in the days to come.

August 20, 2012

Connie, I send you love and prayers at this most difficult time. I am so glad we had the visit back in the spring. I pray that God will comfort you and give you strength in the days and weeks ahead. Nancy Jessup Hightower

Ashlee Tising Falco

August 20, 2012

Hi Connie and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. Although, I live a state away now Sylacauga will always be my home and the people will forever hold a special place in my heart. It deeply saddens me that Sam will no longer give one of those hugs and smiles that just always made my day. I'm sending prayers to all of you!

Lots of love,
Ashlee

August 20, 2012

Ellis Lee and Mary (Moore) Gilliland loved Sam and are in prayer for the family. He was a very giving individual and always enjoyed planning Ashville High School Reunions......

Bill Grimmette

August 20, 2012

Connie:

my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family for your grievous loss. May God grant you the strength to endure and the courage to carry on through your grief. On behalf of The Grimmett family , yay you be wrapped in the warmth and protection of the highest spirit and comforted in the knowledge that those of us who knew Sam with complete respect are here now, for you and your perfect solace.

McCarthy Family

August 20, 2012

Dear Connie & Family,

We are so saddened to hear of Sam's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Sam will be missed by us on our visits and by so many more.

Mike, Rebecca and Grady

John and Candy Gardino

August 20, 2012

You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers.

Ms. Lee Edwards

August 20, 2012

Connie, my thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this time. So sorry about Sam. May God Bless you all.

Karen Harris

August 19, 2012

Connie,
My family is praying for you and your family. You and Sam have been a strong Christian influence on me, Mickey, Shelby, and Taylor. I will never forget how honored I felt when you and Sam came to mine an Mickey's baptisms. I could probably go on and on about the times you both have done special things like that because that has been both of your ministries. My heart hurts for you during this time. Please know that we love you and that Sam will be missed by me, my family, and this entire community. Continue to lean on God for comfort. Love, Karen

Kyle Smith

August 19, 2012

Connie and Family, Sam has been a business friend for many years and a man that I have admired and looked up to since coming to Sylacauga in 1979. He was an encouragement to many young men, like myself, that were striving to serve the citizens in a professional and courteous manner. He was also a great friend and mentor to our daughter, Jordan. So many lives have been touched by his knowledge, leadership, and kindness throughout the years. I count it a privilege and honor to have known him and you.
May Gods blessings and love surround you as you strive to walk the unfamiliar road you are now traveling.
Kyle, Sheri, & Jordan Smith

Melonie & Troy Riggins Jeffcoat

August 19, 2012

Sam, Please accept our deepest condolences, our thoughts are with you and your family.

Janice & Edward Murphree

August 19, 2012

Connie and family, we are very sorry for your loss. Sam was a very nice person and will greatly missed. May God bless and comfort you in your time of sorrow.

Rebecca Hagan

August 19, 2012

Dear Connie & Family, May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face shine upon you and give you peace in your time of grief and sorrow.

August 19, 2012

Connie, Don and I are so saddened to hear about Sam. He was a great Mayor and a pillow of our community. He will be greatly missed. We want you to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don and Brenda Robinson

Jaclyn Cosper

August 19, 2012

It was an honor to know Sam. He was such a great man, and will be missed. My prayers are with y'all.

carl and sandi conaway

August 19, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lisa Haynes Turner

August 19, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you from the Haynes family. What a special man he was. May God wrap his arms around your entire family and comfort you.

Chris Pursell Fleming

August 19, 2012

Connie, Greer and Sam, I've been thinking and praying for y'all and asking the LORD to be near you while going through this trial. A favorite passage I would like to share with you is Psalm 91:1-2 "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust." You are very dear to all the Pursells and we pray that our Savior Jesus will draw you near to His heart.

August 19, 2012

cConnie, I am thinking of you and your family. Love You. Alma R. Ross

Peggy Downing

August 19, 2012

Our hearts ache for such a loss. My children, Christy and Rusty, have special memories of Sam through the church. He, and you, were positive, encouraging, and guiding influences as they grew up. We carry Sam in our hearts, and remember you and your family in our prayers.

Brown and Debbie Motes

August 19, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May pleasant memories help ease your pain during this difficult time.

Mary Ola and Dennis Lee

August 19, 2012

Our sincere prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time and in the days to come. Very sorry for your loss.

George Ford

August 19, 2012

Connie; I was so saddened to learn of your loss. Thiugh we didn't see each other often, I always counted Sam among my favorite friends. Regina and I are thinking of you and your family.

Ricky & Brenda McCain

August 19, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 19, 2012

Greer, please know your family is our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all and may God help you and yours find some comfort in the days and months to come.

God Bless,
Carmen Knox and family

George Ford

August 19, 2012

Connie; I was greatly saddened to learn of your loss. Although we saw each other rarely, Sam was a great friend. Regina and I are thinking of you and your family. George Ford

Sammy & Rosina Shelnutt

August 19, 2012

Our prayers are with the family in this time of grief. Sam was always thoughtful of my family in our times of sorrow. He will be greatly missed by the entire community.

Martha White-Hall

August 19, 2012

Connie,Greer,Sam and family, all of you are in my thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.May God give you strength and peace as only he can.Love to all of you.

Steve and Maria Elena Graves

August 19, 2012

We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our most sincere condolences.

Dora and George Duncan

August 19, 2012

Connie,May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jon and Dianna Anderson

August 19, 2012

our prayers are with your family and time will help. having blessed hope means we will see Sam again in a little while.

August 19, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jean & Tommy Ham

August 19, 2012

Connie, we are so sorry for your loss. Please know you and the Family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jean & Tommy Ham.

Scott and Mandy Mayfield

August 19, 2012

Connie, Greer, Sam Jr. and your precious family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

August 19, 2012

Such a GREAT man! He will be truely missed by this community! We will cherish the pictures of him playing Santa Claus at FUMC Kindergarten with our sons! Praying for the whole family! Rodney and Libby (Sawyer) Frost

Tom Pullen

August 19, 2012

Sincere thoughts and sympathy of the family and close friends of Sam and Connie Wright.

jane morris ferguson

August 19, 2012

CONNIE my prayers and thought are with you and your family during this sad time he was a wonderful friend to all in sylacauga and will be greatly missed

Bob Wright

August 19, 2012

You all are in our prayers, You have our deepest Sympathy, We love you all

Joey Horton

August 19, 2012

Our hearts and prayers go out to you!

Celia and Joey Bryant & Family

August 19, 2012

So Sorry for your loss,May you find strength through the Lord during this difficult time and the days to come.

Kay Cheshire Cirlot

August 19, 2012

Connie, please know that I am holding you, and Sam, close in my thoughts and prayers.

Dianne Bailey

August 19, 2012

So many memories dating back to when I was a little girl and you and Connie were attending First Methodist. I would go with my Granny (Minnie King) every chance I got. I remember Connie teaching my sister, my brother, and my nephew in various schools. I loved the times Connie would come to visit Alma. Or the times I would be working in her front flowerbeds, and would hear a truck horn blow as I saw Sam's friendly wave. I will never understand exactly what happened here, but I do know Sam will be missed very much. The city of Sylacauga has lost an amazing man!!

Showing 1 - 95 of 95 results

Make a Donation
in Sam Wright's name

Memorial Events
for Sam Wright

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Curtis and Son Funeral Home

1099 1st Ave NW, Childersburg, AL 35044

How to support Sam's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Sam Wright's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more