Linda Ray Wright

Linda Ray Wright, 78, of Americus, GA, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 28, 2025, surrounded by her daughter and granddaughters.

Linda, also known as Meme, was born on November 10, 1946, in West Plains, MO, to Arden and Linell Norton. Linda graduated High School in 1964. Linda then attended Arkansas State University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Physical Education.

On October 7, 1983, Linda married the love of her life, Ernie Everette Wright. Together, they formed Built Wright Construction. They worked side by side, building over 300 homes in the Little Rock area. Linda had already obtained her Real Estate license, which only added to their thriving business. They retired in 2004 and lived in a cabin they built together in Glenwood, Arkansas, Ernie’s hometown. Then, 3 years ago, they moved to Americus, GA. They joined Pleasant Grove Baptist church, where they attended regularly and made some amazing friends.

Linda was the life of the party, no matter where she went. Laughing and having fun just seemed to come natural to her. She enjoyed playing Phase 10 and other games with her family. Puzzles were another love of Linda’s. Many memories were made of days at their cabin in Glenwood, working on puzzles and laughing until our bellies hurt.

Linda was an amazing cook! She so loved to cook for her family. Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy was always a request by her grandchildren, as well as Elfo Special and batter-fried deer strips. Linda loved to travel and go on cruises and girls' trips with her Glenwood Girls. Playing pranks and hiding rubber snakes in unexpected places was something her friends learned to expect from her. And after the prank was played out, Linda’s belly laugh would radiate the room. Oh, how fun she was!

Linda was the true definition of a friend. And if you were blessed to call her a friend, you had a true friend for life. One such friendship surpasses them all. Donna and Linda have been friends for 61 years! They shared so much life together. The ups, the downs, and everything in between. A true friendship with a love and bond that will continue even after death.

Linda, our Meme, will be greatly missed. She was loved dearly and was a true blessing to everyone she knew. She battled cancer for 9 years. She fought hard and always trusted God through it all. She is now healed and able to rest. And for that, we are so grateful. Linda was preceded in death by her dear Ernie, her brother Joe Norton, her grandson Cutter Rogers, and many other family members she loved dearly.

Linda is survived by her Daughters, Lori Whitaker (Mike), Melissa Driver (Jeff), Sister, Polly House (Sam), Grandchildren, Bambi Settle (Tyson), Chelsie Tweedy (Derek), Shelbey Tedford (Scott), Abigail Figueroa (Brent) Great-Grandchildren, Charlea Hein, Chuck Rogers, Kenzie Rogers, Joi Settle, Chase Rogers, Shepherd Tedford, and 2 more on the way. Nephews, Tyler House, Travis House, John Norton, Walt Connell, Shawn Wright, and many more nieces and nephews, and sister in laws that she loved dearly.

Linda was also survived by her lifelong friend Donna, her husband John, and son Jonathan and his family. As well as close friends Jack and Mitzie Stevens. 

Memorial Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Mount Tabor Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home- Glenwood.