Willard Cannon Wright

Willard Cannon Wright died February 7, 2009. He was 92 years old.
He was born in Tabor City, North Carolina on May 29, 1916, the oldest son of Eugene Otto Wright and Shrele Cameola Smith Wright.
His wife for over 65 years was Alice Lou Shelley Wright, died on February 7, 2007.
Willard leaves three sons, Henry N. Wright and wife, Joyce from Smithville, Russell D. Wright and wife, Jamie from Whiteville, Alan S. Wright and wife, Roxanne both from Tabor City, . He is also survived by one sister, Lucile Columbia Wright Winstead from Elm City, He had six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Willard graduated from Tabor City High School in the spring of 1934. He attended Wake Forest College from 1934 to 1940. Because he had to work his way through school, he stopped to work and pay off his debts. He went to work in 1940 first at Fort Bragg in construction and later in Wilmington in the shipyard where he worked until early 1946.
Willard married Alice Lou Shelley on November 8, 1941. After World Ward II was over they moved back to Tabor City where he started Wright's Gas Company. After retiring in 1985 he turned the business over to his son, Alan S. Wright, who still operates the business today.
Willard had a real love for the people of Tabor City. He served with distinction for 32 years and Town Commissioner. His responsibility was streets and sanitation. Citizens could always get their needs met by calling Willard for help. He was directly responsible for getting all of the dirt streets in town paved in the 1950's.
He also loved his church, Tabor City Baptist Church. He was a member since he joined the church at age 13 (1929) for 80 years. He taught Sunday school and was Director for BTU for many years. He served on the Deacon Board for years and in 1985 was given a Lifetime Deacon award; however, his most rewarding position in services to his church was as Head Usher. He served in this capacity for over 35 years. He loved people and enjoyed conversation with them while he presented them with the church bulletin as they entered the Sanctuary. Being part of a church was extremely important to him; he believed in going with his family especially his boys.
In 1955 he was given the "Man of the Year and Distinguished Service Award" by the Tabor City Jaycees for his outstanding community service. Through his loyal, faithful and unselfish efforts he has made a great contribution to his community, state and nation. He was responsible for initiating the Tabor City Yam Festival Celebration in the fall of the year; it is still being observed. In 1980 he was recognized for his service including chairman of the Cape Fear Council of Government from 1976 to 1980. In 1985 the Civitan Club, he was a member for many years, gave him a Resolution of Appreciation for all of his service in the town of Tabor City, especially for his 32 years as Town Commissioner. They honored him by calling him Squire Wright.
As great as the honors were, Willard was always more interested in how his boys were doing. He believed in being a "pal" to his boys. He called baseball for us, took us fishing and golfing, and escorted us to Wake Forest College Football and basketball events. He spent time with us and we boys were his greatest joy. He was very proud of us and we are equally proud to call him our father. The sons are grateful for how he and our mother were our best role models and demonstrated how to live a Christian life. We believe he is enjoying that heavenly reward he richly deserves.
The visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the funeral service to begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Tabor City Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, east of Tabor City. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Tabor City Baptist Church Building Fund, 200 Live Oak Street, Tabor City, NC 28463. A service of Inman Funeral Home of Tabor City.