Wilbur Dean Wright

Wilbur Dean Wright (aka Whitey and Doc) passed away peaceably on September 20, 2025.

He was born February 4, 1934, in Duke, Oklahoma to the late Hubert Clarence and Ida Ileen (Green) Wright. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife Nanetta Crepps Wright, daughter Kelly Dean Wright, brothers Wayne Wright, Bill Wright, Buddy Wright and sister Watha Darlene Shanks.

He is survived by his son Louis Wright (Diane), daughter Janet W. Rudisill and husband James of Jefferson, NC, daughter-in-law Emilia Wright of Colorado. Brother Alvin R. Wright of Edmond, Oklahoma, brother-in-law Leonard (Buddy) Crepps and wife Patricia of Crumpler, NC.

Granddaughters: Amanda Wright Hill and husband Joe of Colorado, Melissa Wright Sharp and husband Chris of Colorado, Courtney Wright O'Callaghan of Colorado, Katherine R. Brantley and husband Scott of Chapel Hill.

Great Grandchildren: Sierra O'Callaghan of Colorado, Chole O'Callaghan of Colorado, Aubrie Hill of Colorado, Sophia Hill of Colorado, Scarlett Hill of Colorado, Hazel Hill of Colorado, Parker Brantley of Chapel Hill and Peyton Brantley of Chapel Hill.

Wilbur joined the US Army in 1951 and. He was in air defense and worked with missiles. He met his wife, Nanetta Crepps in Maryland when she was running a cash register on the base PX. He married her in Maryland December 31, 1956. They led a wonderful life full of adventures and travels as he was stationed twice in Germany and several places in the USA. He made sure his children were exposed to many cultures and experiences.

Wilbur retired from the US Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 at the end of 1976 and moved back to Ashe County where his wife was from. After retiring from the Army, he worked as an electrician, managed the KFC when it was in West Jefferson, NC across from the State Employers Credit Union. He went to Wilkes Community College and obtained an Associate Degree in Accounting. He then worked for over 19 years at H & R Block retiring around 82 years of age.

Wilbur was a devoted husband, father and Grandfather. He instilled a strong work ethic in his family, teaching the importance of hard work and doing what is right. His patriotism was demonstrated through his self-less service for 27 years in the U.S. Army. He believed deeply in the values of liberty and justice that he fought to protect.

Whitey was a faithful member of Glendale Springs Presbyterian Church. He was well known for his jelly and candy making. He had many requests for his homemade cashew brittle. His cakes were always best sellers at his church's bake sales. His other big passion was the Atlanta Braves. He hardly ever missed watching a game.

Wilbur was a good and honest man and will be missed so much by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to either

Glendale Springs Presbyterian Church, 350 JW Luke Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694 or Amorem Hospice, 274 Archie Caroll Rd, Boone, NC. 28607.