William Calhoun Wright

William Calhoun Wright, known affectionately as Peter or Bill to all who knew him, lived a life as vibrant and rich as the blues music he adored. Born on June 17, 1944, in the soulful heart of Louisiana, Peter's journey through life was a symphony of love, laughter, and tireless dedication. He departed our world on May 14, 2024, in Chicago, just shy of his 80th birthday, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with the rhythm of a life well-lived.
Peter was a beacon of selflessness, his heart as expansive as the sky under which he'd sit, listening to the blues and "enjoying life," as he'd often say. With a smile that could light up the darkest room, he was the embodiment of love in action, a man whose laughter was a melody that could ease any burden. His humor was a gift he shared generously, brightening the lives of everyone around him.
Raised in a bustling household, Peter was the beloved son of Sarah and James Wright, and a brother to Sylvia, Emogene, Sally, Cleveland, James, jerry and Joe. His family was a tapestry of connection and support, threads intertwining to create a strong and resilient whole. In 1988, he met the love of his life, Malinda, and together they embarked on a journey of 38 beautiful years, a partnership that was a testament to enduring love and mutual respect. Their union was blessed with two children, J'bria, and William Jr., who in turn gave Peter the joy of grandchildren – Amiyah, Heaven, Amor, and Miracle. Peter's family tree branched further with his children from previous relationships, Davita, Sparkle, and their children, all of whom he loved with his entire being.
Peter's passion for life was matched by his work ethic. He built houses with his brothers in Louisiana, a skill he passed on to his son, William Jr., ensuring that the craft of creation and the value of hard work were legacies he would leave behind. For nearly four decades, Peter's hands were dedicated to the art of mechanics, a profession that he approached with the same precision and care as he did everything in life. Even in retirement, his love for the open road called to him, and he answered by driving trucks across almost all 50 states, exploring the breadth of the country he helped build and maintain.
The words of Helen Keller resonate with the spirit of Peter's life: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." Indeed, Peter embraced every day as a new chapter in a grand adventure, a chance to make a difference, to touch a life, to build something lasting. He was a man who found joy not in the material, but in the moments that truly matter – the laughter of his grandchildren, the satisfaction of a job well done, the simple pleasure of music and nature.
In remembering Peter, we are reminded that the measure of a man is not in the wealth he accumulates, but in the lives he enriches. He was a man who gave more than he took, who loved more than he was loved, and who laughed more than he cried. His spirit, a blend of strength and gentleness, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
To honor the memory of William Calhoun Wright is to live as he did – with a heart open to giving, a hand extended in service, and a soul attuned to the music of life. Let us walk forward in the light of his example, carrying the melody of his memory in our hearts, and sharing the harmony of his kindness with the world. Peter's story may have reached its final note, but the echoes of his life's song will resound for generations to come.