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Robert Wright Obituary
Bob Wright, 84, of Bryan, passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2009.
Visitation will be Friday, January 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel College Station. Funeral
Services are set for 10 a.m., Saturday January 2, at the funeral home.
Football was a way of life for Bob Wright. Born in Junction and raised in Ballinger, this west Texas native was fortunate to play high school and college football for his dad, legendary coach "Pooch" Wright.
Bob's college football experience at the University of Texas ended when he was drafted into the Army to serve in World War II.
Bob and his fellow soldiers of the 71st Infantry Division landed at Le Harve, France, in February 1945. After crossing the Rhine, the 71st fought their way through Germany to the Danube River and on to Linz, Austria.
Bob was promoted to First Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star by the age of 19. After the war ended, Bob enjoyed being a member of the 71st Division football team which won the 3rd Army championship in Bavaria.
After returning home in 1946, Bob enrolled in Howard Payne College where his father was the head football coach. Graduating in 1949, Bob followed his dad into the coaching profession.
He began his career in Olney, TX and eventually coached at several schools including Brownwood, Howard Payne College, Ballinger, and Cleburne.
He served as the Assistant Executive Director of the Texas High School Coaches Association from 1968 to 1972. Bob was inducted into the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1986.
Bob came to Texas A&M University in 1972 with Emory Bellard as the recruiting coordinator for the football team. During these seven years the team went to four bowl games, was ranked in the top 15 for three years, and won a share of the SWC championship in 1975.
He joined the TAMU College of Education in 1979 and remained there until his retirement in 1990.
Bob was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 56 years, Tylene.
Bob is survived by his three children who embraced the spirit of public service: Robert, a retired firefighter; Nilah, a retired school counselor; and Jaime, a school teacher; his sister June Carley of Giddings, Texas; his brother Donald "Bud" Wright of Del Rio, Texas. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Mary Hroch, Katy Gardea, Zachary Felton Wright, Travis Wright, Cody Wentrcek, Jim Wentrcek; and one great-grandchild, Levi Hroch.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Texas A&M Former Student Association, 505 George Bush Dr. College Station, TX 77840 as well as the Carnegie Library of Ballinger, 204 North 8th Street Ballinger, TX 76821.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wright
Alison Sykes
February 6, 2010
Feb.6,2010
Nilah,
I just spoke with my mom and she said she had a note from you. I am sorry to hear about your dad. I have such fond memories of you and your sense of humor. I am on facebook or you can email me at [email protected]. I live in Houston so we are not that far apart. I will drop you a line via the snail mail. Most sincerely, Alison Sykes.
Tammy Shaper/Hillhouse
January 30, 2010
Jaime, I was just thinking about you and looking for you on facebook when I found this. I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I remember going with you and him to watch football games at Reagan High School in Austin when were about 9 or 10.Lots of fun. My name is Tammy (Shaper ) Hillhouse. My 17 yr old daughter will be playing softball in College Station next August and I was thinking about looking you up. My email is [email protected] if you'd like to get in touch.
Jim Adair
January 9, 2010
It's hard to put in words what the Wright family meant to the Adair family. They just don't make them like they used to. Coach Wright - patriot,educator & devoted family man was a true West Texan. We learned how to be young men & women from Coach, Tylene & the extended group our Families were part of.
My memories as an 8 year old kid at my grandparents in Ballinger going fishing on the Llano river in '62 with the Wright & Adair men was my first initiation into manhood. Coach Wright taught me many valuable lessons in life by his living example, & I wouldn't be the man I am today without Coach and his guidance.
I know Coach is now with Tylene, Pooch & Mrs, my parents & all of our loving Departed. I love the Wright family with all my heart. My deepest condolences to Robert, Nilah, Jamie, June & Bud...we love you all. I won't forget you Coach.
Ronnie Hubby
January 7, 2010
It sure saddened me to hear of Coach Wright's passing. Please accept my heartfelt love toward the family. I will never forget what Coach did for me while I was at A & M. He was one I could go and talk to about my difficulties. When I was a freshman, I was a little low on money and got he his wallet out and said "how much do you need"--and he also said don't bother paying me back. I also remember when I was Athletic director at Junction High School and we had him down to be the speaker at our football banquet. He was truely one of the best speakers I have ever heard. He spoke of pride for his counrty and was a very patriotic man. He has taught me how to pay it forward in everything I try to do. He was a role model in my eyes. I will miss you coach!
Tommie Sue & Joe Powers
January 6, 2010
To Nilah, Robert. Jamie, June and all his great family.
We can't tell you what a gift it was to have Coach in our home and family for a short while. He lifted our spirits daily with his warm smile and sweet spirit He taught us contentment and acceptance. We love you all Tommie Sue & Joe Powers
DeeAnn (Laquey) Justus
January 5, 2010
Coach Wright had a way of making everyone feel special. He was someone to "look up to" and hope to achieve his approval. Condolences to his family. Respectfully, Dee Ann (Laquey) Justus
Deedy Adair Hamer
January 5, 2010
When I think back on my life and my parents' friendships, there are few that stand out like the one they enjoyed with Tylene and Bob Wright. Bob and Dillard were like brothers and Pooch and Mrs were like surrogate parents to my dad. Our family loved the Wright family fiercely and I have such fond memories of times spent together. It brings joy to my heart to think that Bob, Tylene, Ruthie and Dillard are together somewhere dancing to Bob Wills, laughing, eating Rotel and watching over all of us. That sounds like heaven to me! Paul and I extend our sincerest condolences to Robert, Nilah, Jamie, June & Bud and the entire extended Wright family. We love you all dearly.
Hoyt Smith
January 4, 2010
That good Bob Wright was a BHS graduate in May 1943 and I entered BHS in September. He was a special person, outstanding in all repects, integrity, good character, honesty, everything. And now he is with that precious wife, Tylene. Lee Ann and I offer our condolences with love to all the family: Robert, Nilah, Jaime, June and Bud.
Hoyt Smith (BHS 1946)
Charles Marshall
January 4, 2010
As the recruiting coordinator Bob played an important role in my attending Texas A&M University and for that I will always be grateful. He was a special person to many and most of all a special Aggie. His presence will be truly missed but the memories will live on in those lives he touched.
Warmest Regards,
Charles "Tank" Marshall
Class of '77
Debbie Lockledge
January 4, 2010
Jaime,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. Y'all are in my prayers. ~Debbie Lackey Lockledge
Larry Broaddus
January 4, 2010
God bless Bob and His famly. We Ags lost a great friend.
January 4, 2010
Robert, Nilah and Jaime,
My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to all of you and your family. I guess the only time I met your dad was at a party I attended with you, Robert, at your grandmother and Mr. Beadel's house at Christmas time! Your mom and dad were so sweet. I wish you all well. Prayers to you.
Debbie Smith Wheeler
Debbie Smith Wheeler
January 4, 2010
Robert, Nilah and Jaime,
My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to all of you and your family. I guess the only time I met your dad was at a party I attended with you, Robert, at your grandmother and Mr. Beadel's house at Christmas time! Your mom and dad were so sweet. I wish you all well. Prayers to you.
Debbie Smith Wheeler
marsene emert
January 2, 2010
I will always think of Coach with love and he will always bring a smile to my face. I loved people and loved talking with people. It was an honor to help care for him while he was with us. I wish all the best to his family and they are in my prayers.
January 2, 2010
Bob Wright was a Senior when I entered
Howard Payne so I only knew him one
year, but he was a gentleman, quiet,
and very likeable. (Bud was a freshman when I was, and their Dad
was the coach.) Over the last few
years, we've seen the passing of many
teammates==Al Langford, Bill Scoggins,
and quite a few others. The passing
of an era, but it was a good one!
Max Hulse San Angelo, Texas
Luanne Bailey
January 2, 2010
We were blessed to have Coach Wright and his family at Cleburne High School. He was an amazing leader and teacher. I will always remember him coming to Addams House singing, "I'll Be Home for Christmas!" My thoughts and prayers go out to Robert, Nilah, and Jamie....
Luanne Leonard Bailey
Anne Mashek
January 2, 2010
Jaime,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!
Love,
Anne
Mike Barrett
January 2, 2010
Who was Bob Wright? For us that were blessed enough to have had Coach Wright in our lives, I feel he gave us so much to build our foundation on. For all of the Bearcats that played for Coach, we saw a man that was pure of heart, committed to not only being our football coach but our life coach as well.
To all of the family -- he was one of the best. Thanks Coach -- I still have the letter (reply) you wrote me in 1966 when I was struggling and trying to adjust to my first yr in college. I read it again today -- as I have many times since 1966 because it still inspires me to keep striving to be my best (44 yrs later).
Mike Barrett BHS 1965
Bozeman Mt.
Pam Murfee
January 2, 2010
Dear Robert, Nilah, Jaime and your families,
When Coach Bob Wright is mentioned , I get a warm, happy feeling. Integrity, honor, friendliness, loyalty, respect, closeness to God.... are only a few of the words which quickly come to mind when I remember Coach Wright.
What fond memories I have (like Millie mentioned) of him singing to us like Perry Como. May all your sweet memories and God's love comfort you now and always.
Fondly,
Pam Price Murfee
Doyce and Linda Smith
January 2, 2010
Bob Wright's influence on young people made us all better human beings. We remember him often fifty years later. God bless you, and thank you for sharing your wonderful father. He will remain forever in our hearts.
January 2, 2010
The passing of Coach Wright is the passing of a good man and a good football coach. Bob Wright taught a lot more than football.For the kids who went to Ballinger High School in the early and mid sixties, he taught us life lessons. Whether in class or on the football field you learned the meaning of a "Bearcat".A Bearcat trusts in God, believes in himself,tackles life's challenges straight on with courage, integrity, and love. To this day I have used his principles when challenged. He is a big influence on my life. I feel fortunate to be coached by him.
{Here's a toast to this Ol Bearcat- Hail to the Grand Ol Coach!}
It warms my heart to think he is with his lovely wife Tylene now. God bless you both. My condolences to Nilah, Robert,Jaime, and all who loved him. He will always be in my heart. Bo Gray
Fanny Pearce
January 2, 2010
Coach Wright exuded enthusiasm and the kind of friendliness that made each of us 60's kids in Ballinger feel special and important. He will remain well loved for that. My sincere condolences go out to his family at this sad time for them and for all of us who were lucky enough to have been graced by his beautiful, infectious smile.
Linda (Watson)McPherson,CHS Class of 1967
January 2, 2010
I will never forget Coach Wright's kindness to a new sports-editor for the Cleburne High YellowJacket Yapper needing a last minute interview. He treated me as if I were a professional, not a student.I,of course, was in complete awe of him.He was so special and much loved at CHS. Hope you find comfort in knowing how he touched so many young lives.
Lynn Walden
January 1, 2010
Coach Wright, Wow what wonderful person that I am so grateful that God put in my path. He made me fell like "someone" when I felt like I had no one. A great influence on my life especially when I realized that a "Bearcat" was not just a football player but an "attitude" of positive belief in yourself. The "I can" attitude Coach Wright instilled in all his students.
I feel relief for him for I know he is now at rest and that his next wakening moment he will be looking at his heavenly father.
My sincere condolences,
Lynn Walden (Smiley)
Elaine Clifton
January 1, 2010
My condolences to all the family. Bob came to Ballinger my senior year in high school (1960-61). His father and mine, Fat Zappe, were best friends while Pooch coached in Ballinger. I will never forget Bob for his ability to motivate people and his loving nature. He was my teacher in many ways. Elaine Zappe Clifton, Austin, Texas.
David Gilley
January 1, 2010
1-1-2010
Coach Bob Wright came to Cleburne in 1965. Cleburne had been out of the play-off picture for a few years. Within two seasons, Coach had us right back in there.
He had a great infuuence in my life, and I will miss him dearly.
My wife, Marijane was influenced by the Wright's as well. Mrs. Nilah Wright(Bob's mom) taught a pre-school class at Howard Payne for children whose birthdays came too late for public school. Marijane was one of those. She later had Mrs. Wright for Soph. English at Brownwood High. Marijane taught at Woodland Heights Elem. with Bud Wright's wife.
It's a small world.
God bless you all at this difficult time. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
David Gilley--Cleburne Class of 1967
Marijane (Moore) Gilley--Brownwood Class of 1967
Laurie Kopetsky
January 1, 2010
Nilah,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I know there will be a void in your life. Will be thinking of you.
Tommy Jobe
January 1, 2010
Coach Wright was one of the greatest people I have ever had the pleasure to know.
Coach Wright not only coached football,but also taught his players and others to keep strong moral values as a number one priority in their lives.
Harvetta Modique
January 1, 2010
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr.Wright,especially to Nilah who is a very dear friend of mine.My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Perei (Ruthven) Taylor
January 1, 2010
I am praying for you guys, Nilah, i have miss your warm smiles and kind words and advice thru my times of heartache since Coach moved from Hudson Creek. i will always remember his friendly smile, deep blue eyes and his flirty ways with all the pretty women! coach, see you at the endzone baby!
Mary Hodge
January 1, 2010
Bob was like a brother to my father, James Blake Striplin, and he will be missed. On behalf of Jim and Ev, I send their love and prayers. May the Peace of Christ be with you and yours.
Chess Neff
January 1, 2010
To the Wright Family:
I always enjoyed my classes with the Coach. His inspiration helped me through my life.
Respectfully,
Chess Neff Class of 64
Gayle Schmidt
January 1, 2010
As I read about your dad I was reminded of the many, many times Bob made me and others laugh. His zest for football was exceeded only by his zest for living. I feel blessed to have known him and, because of him, to have known Nilah. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Janet Gindlesperger
January 1, 2010
Sometimes we don't realize how much we were influenced by a person until his death. I had heard of his dad all my life from my mother, a diehard Bearcat and football fan, and then was privileged to know and learn from his equally talented son. And I had forgotten his singing to us in class! What a special fellow!
Janet Jobe Gindlesperger
Robert & Peggy Wilson
January 1, 2010
Coach Wright was a shining example to his students.
He was a true gentleman, something sorely missed in our world today.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Pat Barnett King
January 1, 2010
My condolences to all the family especially to June and Bud, whom I knew at Howard Payne. Pat Barnett King
Millie Henderson
January 1, 2010
Coach Bob Wright was bigger than life itself to many people. The memories we have of him when he was teacher and coach at Ballinger High School will forever stay in our hearts. My favorite one is of his singing (Perry Como style) to us in class. Oh, we loved that. Our deepest sympathies are with all of you at this very difficult time.
Sincerely, Bob and Millie (Stultz) Henderson
Frank Barnett
January 1, 2010
Remembering the good times at HPU
Regards,
Frank & Pat Barnett
Shirlene Carter Jackson
January 1, 2010
Coach Wright was on of the greatest coaches the Cleburne Yellow Jackets ever had. He always had a huge smile that greated everyone he met in the halls of CHS. It was a honor to have known him.
Bishop Powell
January 1, 2010
Coach Wright not only was a good educator, but he and his family made up some of my best memories of growing up in Ballinger. Our sincere condolences to Robert, Nilah, Jaime, and families.
Cordially, Bishop and Mary Powell
Brad Davis
January 1, 2010
Because of all of his and his dad's athletic success, Uncle Bob was somewhat larger than life to me, and I bragged on him every chance I could get. I've talked to several from Cleburne, and they remember him well and fondly as they do in Ballinger and elsewhere. He will definitely be missed.
January 1, 2010
There are very few who touched lives like Bob Wright. We were blessed to sit under his teaching and coaching. His passing is earth's loss and heaven's gain. A Godly man, with integrity and honesty to match. A true Bearcat whose legend will live forever. Our lives are richer having known Coach Wright. We send our love and prayers to Robert, Nilah, and Jaime. God Bless each of you.
Tommy & Judy (Sweeney) Pleasants
Marlin, Texas
Glenn Brunson
December 31, 2009
A great man will be missed by all, Bob touched many people and an inspiration to all that were fortunate to have known him. I have many fond memories of him and Pooch, a great person and favorite Ballinger Bearcat we all loved dearly.
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