Charles Berkeley Wright

Charles Berkeley Wright (May 23, 1937 - Nov. 25, 2025)

Charles Berkeley Wright of Fletcher, North Carolina died peacefully in hospice care on November 25, 2025. Charles "Charlie" Wright was born May 23, 1937 in Mills River, North Carolina to Berkeley and Lillian Wright, both of whom preceded him in death. Charles grew up in Mills River, working for Frances and Wright, his father's business.

He attended Western Carolina University, where he majored in Business Administration, going on to run is own heavy machinery company in Greensboro, North Carolina for many years after leaving a sales position at Carolina Tractor. Charles was an only child and is preceded in death by Audrey, his wife of 64 years, who died just under a year ago. He is also survived by his daughters Laura Wright and LeeAnn Wright and by his sons-in-law, Jason Sellers and Dorsey Parker, all of Candler.

Charles met at Audrey at Mills River High School, went to separate collages (Audrey attended Brevard College and High Point University), and married in 1960. Soon after, they moved to Greensboro, North Carolina where Charles began working as a salesman for Carolina Tractor. With business partner Jim Cooke, he later opened his own heavy equipment business.

Charles and Audrey remained in Greensboro for over 50 years, during which time they raised their daughters and were active in the community and as members of West Market Street United Methodist Church. Charles and Audrey moved back to Hendersonville in 2015, as they wanted to be closer to their daughters.

Charles was an incredibly kind, empathetic, and gentle person with a clever wit and endless reserves of tolerance and patience. He loved cars and music; he was a fan of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Willy Nelson, and country music of an earlier era. He enjoyed playing and watching

golf, travelling, and spending time with his family. And he loved to tell stories, many of which were about jumping out of planes – which he did during his time serving in the 82 nd Airborne – growing up in Mills River, and places he had been over the years while working as a salesman.

Charles was a wonderful father and husband and a man who cared deeply for his fellow humans. He made friends easily and was loved by everyone who knew him. His daughters cannot imagine their lives without him, even as they are glad that he is free from suffering and, they imagine, reunited with Audrey, who likely wanted to spend Thanksgiving with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Elizabeth House Hospice Home Store in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Charles and his family will be forever grateful to Elizabeth House for the care and compassion that they provided for all of us.