Odee M. Wright

Odee Montgomery Wright, affectionally known as "Dee", was born on November 12, 1939, to the late Rose M. Wright, in King William, Virginia. He transitioned from this life on January 20, 2022, at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center in Williamsburg, Va. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Billy Wright, David Wright, James Wright, and Percy Wright; and sisters, Mary Willie Meekins, Gracie Phillips, and Lue Thomas Wright.
He accepted Christ at a young age at Ephesus Baptist Church in King William, VA. His favorite hymn was 'Tis the Old Ship of Zion'.
Odee attended and graduated from Hamilton Holmes High School in King William, Virginia in 1958. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Following his completion of military service, he attended the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus Service Station Attendant Certification and Management Training Program.
At the young age of 30, Odee became a service station franchise owner under the Esso brand (now called ExxonMobil). In a career that spanned over 50 years, Odee served in all capacities of the Service Station Industry from an Attendant to a Manager, to a Business Owner franchisee. Throughout his 50 years in business, Odee became a fixture in the New Kent County community. As a young businessman, Odee was the first and only black service station franchise owner in the New Kent County, VA area. Odee was well-respected as a business owner. People would pass 3 or 4 gas stations just to buy gas from Odee Wright. He hired from the community and provided many jobs. He positively impacted his generation and made his mark as a pillar in the community. He was well-loved, admired, and respected.
Odee married his neighborhood sweetheart, Barbara Isadora ("Issie") Randall on June 10, 1961. From that union, they were blessed with eight children, twins Adorian Andre (deceased) and Felipe Dante, Rhonda Odette, Craig Erwin, Odee Montez Jr., Brett Alden, Kimberly Anne, and Jeffrey Ryan (deceased). The marriage lasted almost fifty years until her death on August 9, 2001. Odee later married Joyce Brown Wright in September 2001 and remained married until her death on February 6, 2021. From that union, the family circle expanded to include Joyce's children, Angela Carter, Crystal Piercy, Carlton Brown, and Christopher Brown.
Odee loved music and was an avid guitar and harmonica player! As a young man, he started a band called the Sinclairs. They played in King William, VA, and neighboring communities. It was through music and the band that Odee met his future bride, Issie.
People would travel distances to talk with him, see him smile, but more so to hear his laugh!!! He had a passion for life and a love of people. Daddy never met a stranger! He made everyone in his presence feel special!
A loving and adoring grandfather, he made his grandchildren feel extra special. When they visited granddaddy at the gas station, he would tell them to select any junk food they wanted, much to their parents dismay!
Daddy thoroughly enjoyed playing Bid Whist with our mother, and our mother's parents. After working all day, our daddy always found the time during the summer to take the family to the drive-in theater in Sanston, VA. He will be truly missed by his family, friends, and especially his children.
Odee is survived by his children, Felipe Dante Wright of Clarksville, MD, Rhonda Odette Muhammad of New Kent, VA, Craig Erwin Wright (Juanita) of Jacksonville, FL, Odee Montez Wright, Jr. of Washington, DC, Brett Alden Wright of Williamsburg, VA, and Kimberly Anne Wright-Scott (Randolph) of Williamsburg, VA; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother, Douglas; two sisters-in-law, Rosa Mae Wright and Ella Mae Wright; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Whiting's Funeral Home. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment to follow in Ephesus Baptist church cemetery. Mr. Wright may be viewed on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the hour of his service in the funeral home. Facial coverings are required for all services.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
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