Clifford Wright

1937 - 2017

Clifford Wright

San Angelo

Clifford Wayne Wright, 79, of San Angelo, was received by his Heavenly Father with open arms on Monday, March 20, 2017. Clifford was born Oct. 31, 1937 to Clifford Harvey "Skeet" Wright and Fleta Rogers Wright in Nolan County on the Divide. He attended school in Divide and went on to work many jobs in his life, including Kimble Foods in San Angelo, Texas International Airlines in San Angelo and Waco, Mayfield Paper Company in San Angelo, Burmass Publishing Company in Midland, Briggs Garden & Pest Control in Levelland, and Pest Management in Lubbock.

In a final act of generosity, Clifford requested that his remains be donated to Texas Tech University Medical School in Lubbock for research and medical advancement purposes.

A memorial service & celebration of Clifford's life will be at 11 a.m. Monday, April 3rd, at Harper Funeral Home.

Clifford loved nothing more than the opportunity to visit and get to know people everywhere he went. Within minutes of meeting someone, he had made a personal connection and was invested in so many details of their life. He had a witty sense of humor and loved getting to share a joke or a laugh with those around him. The last several years as his health declined, he continued to maintain his sense of humor and witty personality.

He and his late wife, Marla, loved to travel, bird watch and work in the yard. He took pride in his ability to identify birds just by listening to their chirp. He loved to play golf and continued playing up until his later years, when his health began to prohibit physical activity.

One of his favorite times of the year was the Hanks Cousins' Reunion every July. He attended every year until he was too sick to travel. He had the distinct honor of serving as family auctioneer for the reunion auction each year. He was notorious for 'fabricating' bids in the hopes of baiting other bidders. However, he got stuck with many items when this tactic backfired on him. But, as he did with most setbacks, he took it lightheartedly, and was happy to contribute.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marla; and brother, Donald Wright.

He is survived by his daughter Christi Matthews and husband Tommy of San Angelo; son Jeff Wright of Dripping Springs; step-children Angela Allen and husband Glenn of Levelland, Sheree Toal and husband Steve of Lubbock, and Freddie Steen and wife Marilyn of Gray Court, South Carolina; grandchildren Mickey and Kayla Matthews, Bradley and Stephanie Matthews, Dillon and Kate Matthews, all of San Angelo, Garrett and Amy Wright of Midland, Cody Wright of Buda, Hunter Wright of College Station, Justin Wright of Dripping Springs, Michael and D'Lyn Pompa of Levelland, Vince and Catherine Duarte of Burleson, Chillisa and Connor Brinson of Big Spring, Cienna Toal, Payne Toal, Jennifer Steen and Amanda Steen all of Lubbock, and Josie Allen of Liberty City. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Helen Kennedy. He also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, and countless friends.

Although his passing has been hard and he will be greatly missed, we rest in the knowledge that his body is whole again, and he is no longer suffering and struggling for every breath. We are comforted by the assurance that he has already met lots of new people in Heaven and knows everything about them.

The family would like to thank the staff of Regency House, Community Medical Center, and St Gabriel's Hospice for their love and care for our dad.

Also, special thanks to Mary Beth and Arlen Lohse, Karen Gudim and Ana and Harold Smith for the many, many meals delivered to him from Meals for the Elderly. The impact you had on him spanned far beyond the meals you delivered. He loved your company and the time and conversations he had with you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals for the Elderly or the charity of your choice.

Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at harper-funeralhome.com.