Richard Michael Wright

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Wright family announce the sudden death of Richard Michael Wright. He passed away at home on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Rich grew up in Londonderry & Chillicothe, Ohio and graduated from Chillicothe High School. He attended Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he was very active in Student Government, serving two years as Student Body President. He graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He went on to earn an MBA from the University of Kentucky. While studying at UK he served at Asbury University in the Office of Student Development and was integral in creating the Career and Calling Program providing career counseling and employment skills to students. Upon receiving his MBA, he worked at First Southern Bank and Creamer Realty & Associates before joining YUM! Brands in January 2000. Rich spent the next 22 years of his career with YUM! Brands, serving in various real estate development and finance roles, most recently as Chief Development Officer for YUM! Africa. During his early tenure with YUM! Brands, Rich was honored to serve on the Board of Trustees for Asbury University. Rich was a "people person" known throughout his professional career for his genuine care and interest in others. He had a passion for coaching and mentoring people to develop strong, capable leaders. Because of this desire it was his great joy to return to Asbury University as a professor where he had the opportunity to invest in and raise up future Business leaders.
When he wasn't working, Rich enjoyed traveling and exploring different cultures, with a particular love for cruising with family and friends! He was never without a next adventure "up his sleeve." Rich was an avid golfer and loved nothing more than golfing with his two sons. One of the highlights of his life was playing Pebble Beach with them! As a longtime season ticket holder and rabid Kentucky Wildcat football fan, Rich loved tailgating and attending games to cheer on the CATS!
Rich possessed a magnetic personality and a winsome spirit. All who interacted with him were touched by his genuine care, compassion and generosity.
His love for the Lord and service to others was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed volunteering alongside dear friends at Immanuel Baptist Church. Rich faithfully served on the board of New Hope International Ministries as Treasurer for many years.
Rich is preceded in death by his mother (Barbara Sue McCoy Wright) and father (Jack Wright). He is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Lori (Lauter), sons Nathan (Nikki, Trenton and Brayden) and Ben (Andrea) and Mother/Father-in-law (Sue and Roy Lauter).
Funeral Arrangements are as follows ~
Betts & West Funeral Home
404 North Main Street
Nicholasville, KY 40356
Visitation: 3 – 6 PM Friday, January 6
Funeral Service: 6 PM Friday, January 6
Interment: 1 PM Saturday, January 7 in Londonderry, Ohio
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Hope International Ministries at www.nhim.org
Online guestbook is available at www.BettsAndWestFuneralHome.com