H. Hatley Wright Jr.

1937 - 2025

H. Hatley Wright, Jr.

February 18, 1937 - March 25, 2025

After 88 years of love and devotion, Horace "Hatley" Wright Jr. passed peacefully, surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home, into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Hatley was born on February 18, 1937, in Cleveland County to the late Horace Hatley Wright, Sr., and Annie Elizabeth Leonhardt Wright. He was retired from RR Donnelly and was a devoted and longtime member of Plateau Community Church. Hatley served in the US Air Force from December 1958 to September 1963.

Hatley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family deeply. He found immense joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always making them feel special and loved. Although soft-spoken, he was a giant of a Christian man who spoke loudly with his acts of kindness to others by always putting others before himself. His faith was evident in the way he lived selflessly, humbly, and with a servant's heart.

After retirement, Hatley dedicated his time to assisting his wife Nancy, who he fondly called Sweetheart, in running a home-based daycare, where they cared for and nurtured many children. He also had a passion for growing a vegetable garden and planting trees, finding peace and fulfillment in working the land.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved Sweetheart of 65 ½ years, Nancy Speagle Wright; his brother, Jackson Wright; and his sister, Prue Whitaker.

Survivors include his daughter, Jaimie Cansler and husband, David; his son, Chris Wright and wife, Robin; two sisters, Joreka (Larry) Davis of Cliffside and Sue (Don) Peeler of Lawndale; grandchildren, Jordan and Joseph Cansler, Bethany Richardson and husband, Zachary, and Caleb Wright and wife, Vicky; nine great-grandchildren, Charli, Essie, and Darci Richardson, Wyatt and Twyla Cansler, Quinlan, Gracie, Iris, and Everest Wright; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy Whitaker, Barbara Wright, Gayle Willis, Jo and Jim Smith, Ernest and Debbie Speagle, Lorie and Dean Yancey; and numerous loved nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank Melissa for her love, compassion, friendship and assistance in caring for Hatley the last 18 months of his life.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Plateau Community Church, 3315 Scronce Rd., Vale, NC 28168.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Plateau Community Church, with Dr. Charles Kyker officiating and Pastor Joe Harding assisting.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston.