William Eugene Wright

William Eugene Wright III, age 89, of Dallas County, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026.

Bill was born on October 2, 1936, in Montgomery, Alabama, to William Eugene Wright, Jr. and Julia Myrtice Wright. He attended the University of Alabama for two years before beginning a remarkable career.

Bill proudly served his country through multiple branches of the military. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1954 to 1956, followed by active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1960, where he learned Russian and was stationed in Newfoundland, Germany, and England. He continued his service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve until 1962, and later enlisted in Alabama's Army National Guard 20th Special Forces from 1964 to 1966 as a member of the Green Berets.

In the early 1960s, while working at Liberty National in Birmingham, Alabama, Bill was part of the team that installed and programmed the IBM 1401- the first commercial computer in the Southeast. He later joined Electronic Data Systems (EDS), where he spent 26 years (1969–1995) working both in Dallas and across Europe. He concluded his career as Director of Public Relations in Dallas and served one year as European Director of Communications before retiring in September 1995.

One of Bill's most memorable professional experiences was his involvement in the JASON Project, led by Dr. Robert Ballard. This groundbreaking initiative broadcast the world's first live color images from the deep-sea floor of the Mediterranean to museums across the United States and Canada. The project took Bill to incredible places, including the Galápagos Islands, and remained one of his favorite endeavors.

After retiring, Bill and his wife Joan pursued their shared love of the beach by starting Emerald Sun Beach Rentals in Seaside/Seagrove, Florida, where they enjoyed both business and the beauty of coastal life.

Bill was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of F & A Masons Lodge #441 in Garland, Texas, and a member of Rowlett Strong, a nonprofit organization that supports first responders. In 2010, he founded his neighborhood Crime Watch Program, faithfully serving as its leader until 2024.

While his career and experience was impressive, his life was led by his love and dedication to his family and community. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Rowlett. Bill loved Alabama sports, taking care of his community, supporting his grandkids, and avocados (just kidding).

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Eugene Wright, Jr. and Julia Myrtice Wright. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Joan; his daughters, Carol Hansen and her husband Rob, and Christy Plunk and her husband Tim; his grandchildren, Daniel Hambrick, Jordan Colacecchi and her husband Michael, Courtney Hawley and her husband Landon, and Will Plunk and his wife Melissa; and his great-grandchildren, Emmy, Collins, and Charley Colacecchi; Hallie, Scottie, and Dean Plunk; and Baby Hawley, due in September.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you please donate to CRU (Campus Crusades for Christ) for Courtney and Landon Hawley at " give.cru.org/1098677 " or to the Wounded Warrior Project.