William Carlton Wright Sr.

Wright, William Carlton Sr.
Bill was born on September 8, 1923 in Elizabeth City, NC to Annie and Willis Wright. He was one of five children. He graduated from Mars Hill Baptist College and at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the United States Army during WWII and served as a member of the 4th Armored Division. After sustaining wounds in France, Bill returned home and completed his education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a business degree. It was at VPI that Bill and Virginia McCleney renewed their acquaintance and were married in 1947. He and Ginny had two sons, Bill Jr. and Bob, and a daughter, Pat. Bill moved his family to Phoenix, AZ in 1950, where he was a manager at Zellerbach Paper Company for 30 years. He was an active member of his community, serving as president of the Encanto Kiwanis Club and the Zelpaco Credit Union, and as an Elder at Grace Community Church. Throughout his life, Bill also maintained a love of painting and gardening that brightened many lives. Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, his three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Grace Community Church, 1200 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282, (480) 894-2201. Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 7th from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the memorial service will be on Saturday, Jan. 8th at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements are being held under the direction of Carr-Tenney Mortuary in Tempe, Arizona.