William Donald "Billy" Wright

William Donald Wright, known to all as Billy Don and Bill, died at his home on January 18, 2025. He was born October 25, 1949 in Columbia to Donald Hulen Wright and Dolores Agnes Herman. Bill attended Hickman High School with the class of 1968 and was drafted into the U.S. Army the fall of 1969. After basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, he was assigned to the 4th Armored Division in Germany until the fall of 1970, when he was assigned to Vietnam, Da Nang, on a fire support base with the 3rd Battalion 16th Artillery. Although having the MOS as cook, he got into an engagement in a combat operation, as sentry, earning the bronze star. After being honorably discharged, Billy Don returned to Columbia and entered the work force with Diggs Packing Company before apprenticing as a typewriter repairman with a local small businessman. He then worked for Hirlinger's Office Supply in Boonville as a typewriter repairman, and finally with Missouri Office of Administration Surplus Property where he retired.
Bill was a lifelong bachelor taking on the responsibility of looking after his parents in their challenged years. He was fond of owning a new car, truck and motorcycle through the years and was a member of the Victory Motorcycle Club making the Ozark tours and Sturgis event. He particularly enjoyed having a barbeque and a beer or two and the fondest memories of him are his great cooking, weekend barbeques for the family and quirky sense of humor. William Donald, as soldier, with all warriors throughout time, put in harm's way in defense of religious freedom, we consider a saint. Rightly so, his faith in Jesus sustained him, and we rejoice at his eternal consolation.
Bill is survived by three sisters, a brother, five nephews, two nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 p.m. at Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, located at 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203. Inurnment will follow with full military honors at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.parkermillard.com.