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William D. "Don" Wright Jr.

About

Winthrop University

FUNERAL HOME

McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory

910 67th Ave North

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

William Wright Obituary

MYRTLE BEACH | William D. ''Don'' Wright Jr., 55, died Monday, Oct. 17, 2005 at his home after a three year battle with heart disease and diabetes. His competitive spirit and determination was an inspiration to his family and all who knew him.

He was born April 18, 1950 in Rock Hill, S.C., a son of William D. and Barbara Viola Wright Sr. His brother, Dennis Franklin Wright and his sister, Cobina Wright both predeceased him.

Don moved to Myrtle Beach from Rock Hill in 1964. He graduated from Myrtle Beach High where he was an outstanding athlete, excelling in football as star halfback # 27. He also set longstanding records in track. He attended York Technical College, Winthrop College and served in the Army National Guard. He was a charter member of Ocean View Baptist Church and a faithful member of Eastside Baptist Church in Rock Hill. Don served as guitarist, sang in the choir and also led the Royal Ambassadors for Christ. He was employed at Osprey Marina as Dock Master before his illness. Don was also known for his musical ability performing along the Grand Strand. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. His family is thankful for the love that they shared, and for his ''song''.

Survivors in addition to his parents are his wife, Anne ''Betsy'' Wright of Myrtle Beach; three sons, William D. ''Billy'' Wright III, Travis Wright and Jay Wright all of Myrtle Beach; a brother, David Wright of Myrtle Beach; a sister, Sherry Wright Clardy and her husband Mike of Myrtle Beach; a grandson, William D. Wright IV, former wife and mother of his children, Robin Able Chapman of Myrtle Beach and his 'beloved Uncle Johnny'.

Funeral service will be 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20, 2005 at McMillan-Small Funeral Home with Dr. J. Kirk Lawton Jr. officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2005, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 1506 Gumm Plaza, Hwy 501, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 or American Diabetes Association 2711 Middleburg Dr., Suite 110 Columbia, SC 29204.

An online guest book is available at www.msfh.net and MyrtleBeachOnline.com.

McMillan-Small Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.

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

Published by The Sun News on Oct. 19, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for William Wright

28 Entries

Chris Blake

January 12, 2006

It has taken a while to sign this guest book, which is something no one ever looks forward to. I only knew Don for a short while, but what I did know of him, he made it hard for anyone to possibly NOT like him. Very quick-witted with a wonderful sense of humor, Don could cheer up anyone on a bad day. Iwas fortunate enough to meet him while working for Schafer Distributing Company, along with his brother, David. To David, and the entire Wright family, my deepest condolences, and take comfort in knowing he is in a better place now.

Ryan DeMattio

December 8, 2005

Sorry for your father's death Travis, you are in our prayers. I didn't know your dad except for one handshake maybe, but a glimpse of his quality and spirit i can imagine from you 3 sons. God's blessings, the DeMattios

Robin Chapman

October 25, 2005

Don will never be "gone". His strong presence will be with us forever; stronger as we continue to bond as united families who share and appreciate all that he was, all the good that was him and that he brought and will continue to bring out in us. There could never be another one like him, though he definitely leaves a strong, strong legacy. He will absolutely never, ever be forgotten. I am very thankful for our sons and grandson. He gave to me the greatest of gifts! He accomplished much but his children and grandchild are the gifts that can't be fathomed - Don's life given to and through him to them, and through them to me, their mother and grandmother. The best we can do is to honor our Heavenly Father, who has given us everything that is good on this earth. We can trust our Lord Jesus to use us for His purpose on this earth. We can rest in the assurance that Don is in a better place and one day we will meet him there. Don, please save our seats. You are in full and glorious play now. You sing Heavenly songs (as well as our favorite tunes of yours.) We miss you but we will see you with Him "by and by ... in the sky" - "Will The Circle Be Unbroken."

Love, Robin

Bill Bair

October 23, 2005

Jay,

So sorry to hear about your Dad. Just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you and your brothers.

KELLY&JODY DURHAM

October 22, 2005

BILLY,TRAVIS&JAY WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Donald Wizeman

October 21, 2005

I first met Don in the early 80's, when he began helping my with my various promotions. He always showed up with with an great ideas, an uncanny "can do" attitude, and with that wry smile that was his trademark.

I never had to worry about anything Don was doing, because he ALWAYS came through.

While our paths took us down other trails, we would run into one another over the years, and it always seemed that nothing had changed. That burly hug, and sly grin was always there, and meant so very much.

Now, I sure that he's making new friends, and preparing a better place for all of us, because that was truly my friend Don Wright!

Jeremy Hoeger

October 20, 2005

Don was a great friend and I will never forget the times when I worked for him. He was a inspiration to all of us and He will be missed dearly.

God Bless Don,

Jodi Moore

October 20, 2005

We am so sorry for your loss! We knew Don for many years and he was a wonderful guy. He will be missed!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless! Jodi & Doug Moore

Archie Franchini

October 20, 2005

My deepest sympathy to Don's family as you go through this difficult time. I will keep each of you in my thoughts and prayers. I have fond memories of Don as a fellow member of the MBHS Class of 1969. He will be missed by many who knew him.

howard ray

October 19, 2005

Don was a good friend and good customer and will be remembered forever.

Ray's Barber Shop

dale britton

October 19, 2005

I got a call from my brother Paul in Conway that Don had gone to Heaven. I know he will hook up with my brother Terry (#81) and enjoy each other forever. I was kinda kept in the loop via the Chainsaws emails and pray that God gives Don's family and friends the peace and comfort to go through this life stage. God bless you all.

Charlene Geren

October 19, 2005

Dear Barbara and Billy..I was so sorry to hear about your son Donnie.I never got to meet him when Teresa and I came down to visit with you.Teresa told me of all his accomplishments in his talents and I know you all will miss him terribly,just know I am praying comfort and peace for his whole family.God bless you all, Charlene Geren

Teresa & Lavon Kelly

October 19, 2005

Dear Family..My heart is there with you all,I wish I could be there to comfort and pray with you.Donnie was very inspiring to me and very gifted as well.He is celebrating his homecoming and he is at peace with Jesus,where we will all see him again that sweet day.Love and blessings to all.Teresa and Lavon

Gina Shaw Perry

October 19, 2005

Billy, Travis, and Jay -

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Although I didn't know him that well, I do know that he played football for my Dad and was a true Seahawk. I hear that he was a pretty good football player too!

My prayers are with you during this time and always. I definitely understand the feelings that you are experiencing right now. Remember ALL of the good times and great memories. I am sure they will keep you smiling and laughing for years to come.

Judy Allen Edge

October 19, 2005

I was so very sorry to hear about Don's passing. I know he fought long and hard with great determination. I had so hoped to see him over the summer, but it just wasn't meant to be. He was a GREAT guy with a big heart. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, because he helped to make this world a better place in which to live. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through one of the saddest times in their lives ---- especially Barbara. It must be one of the hardest things in the world to lose a child. Don't worry ---- Mr. Allen will help take care of him. I love you all and share some of your pain. Please let me know if I can do anything at all.

Love, Judy Allen Edge

Larry &Janice Bell

October 19, 2005

We only knew Don for a short while as our special neighbor but we never forgot him or his 3"boys".The time's spent talking to him about sport's and our children will alway's be the a special memory for us.Our thought's are with Billy,Travis and Jay and the entire family.Don will be missed!!

Leon and Vickie Todd

October 19, 2005

We are so sorry to hear about Don what a great guy. He will sure be missed if theres anything we can do please call on us. Our prayers go out to the Family.

Leon and Vickie

Wiliam Wright, IV

October 19, 2005

Grandpa Don, as I called him, even though I didn't know him that well, the times I did see him I had lots of fun with him.

Dad, Travis, and Jay, so very sorry for our loss.

Love,

William Wright, IV

Helen Ramsey Leclair

October 19, 2005

Don was a joy to know. He knew how to make people laugh and that drew people to him. He shall be missed. The best to all of his family.

ELSIE MCDOWELL

October 19, 2005

DEEP LAUGHTER THAT MAKES YOUR SIDES HURT, CRAZY FUNNY FAMILY STORIES, JOKES, CUTTING UP, FUN TIMES, SMILING FACES & BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.

THESE ARE THE THINGS I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT MY COUSIN DONNIE.

I WILL ALWAYS HEAR DONNIE'S LAUGH.

LOVE YOU DONNIE

YOUR COUSIN,

ELSIE

John Beckham

October 19, 2005

What a great guy! On the ball field and everywhere else, Don was a character and someone everyone liked to be around.

My thoughts go out to the family.

Beth Ervin

October 19, 2005

Don will be missed but remembered. He had such a good spirit and such talent, and those qualities live on in Billy, Travis, and Jay. My love and heartfelt sympathies go out to Barbara and Sherry and the "boys."

Tom Davis

October 19, 2005

# 27 ... Don;

It wasn't always 'Charles Atlas' or Coach Brunty who pushed us and made us better. Whether it was 'Burger', Skip or me; it was your desire, talent, competitiveness and encouragement that made us all better, those were fun times; and you were such a big part of it. But it was the way that you lived your life that made Myrtle Beach a better place. You ran like a 'colt' when we were kids ... and you lived like a man for the whole of your life. I'll miss you, Don; and I'll never forget the friendship and the encouragement that you showed 'the new boy from Georgia'.

# 30 ... Tom

Bambi Condrey

October 19, 2005

Billy, Travis and Jay: I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you ALWAYS.

Scott Loomis

October 19, 2005

Rest In Peace - Don. You were a great friend during my years in the Beer Industry. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Betsy Todd

October 19, 2005

Travis,

Robert and I were so sorry to hear about your loss. We love you and will be praying for your family at this difficult time. Let us know if there is anything we can do.

Love, Robert and Betsy

Brenda Moore

October 19, 2005

I am so sorry about Don. He was always fun to talk to and will be remembered fondly. Your family will be in my prayers during this very tough time. I'm here if you need anything at all. I love you all.

Betsy Wright

October 18, 2005

I loved to hear Don's stories about his childhood, I loved to hear Don sing, and I loved to hear him laugh. He was born to be an entertainer. He taught me to cook, to appreciate the different sounds in music, and to notice beautiful sunsets. I love you, Don.

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