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Gary Wright Obituary
MEDINA: Gary N. "Joe" Wright, 76, passed away August 2, 2015 at Hospice of Medina County.
He was born on January 17, 1939 in Looneyville, WV to the late Clay Smith and Nell Edith (White) Wright. Joe loved to race and enjoyed golf, snowmobiling, motorcycles, and woodworking.
Joe was a 1957 graduate of Spencer H.S. in West Virginia and moved to Ohio later that year to work at Firestone. They transferred Joe to the Cleveland area where he became the youngest district manager for Firestone at the time.
Joe had a long career as a service manager and in sales for many auto and powersports dealerships. Those included are Miller Pontiac, Don Paul Ford, and Schiets Motors in Freemont, Bill Garlic Motors in Bellevue, Four Seasons Yamaha-BMW in Medina, and All Seasons Yamaha in Wooster.
He, along with Bob Leaser, was co-owner of the "55 Blue Angel" Floyd Trevis Car. They raced at Fremont Speedway, Eldora, Millstream, Pittsburgh, Mineral Wells (WV), Sharon (PA), Heidelburg, Chillicothe, Atomic, and Orrville. Joe was inducted into the Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame in 2014.
Joe is survived by his beloved daughters, Melonie McKelvey, Anita (Craig) Russell, and Krista Wright; dear sister, Nita Messenger; loving companion of 35 years, Connie Zimmerman; step-sons, Scott and Keith (Gail) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Erik (Kristy), Shana, and Katie McGrady, Cole Hamilton, Tyler (Kara) Missig, and Hunter, Holly, Kendel, Makaela, Brianna, and Hadley Zimmerman; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Landon McGrady.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 7, 2015 from 5-7:00 pm at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina 44256.
Family suggest contributions be made to Kitten Krazy, 910 Lake Road, Medina, OH 44256, Hospice of Medina County, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina, OH 44256 or Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame, Fremont, Ohio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wright
1 Entry
Cheers to You and God's Speed to Joe.!!
Joseph Bennett
August 5, 2015
Hi Connie,
It's been many years since I have seen you and Joe, but the memories are warm and lasting. God's Speed to Joe and my deepest sympathy to you.
He was a Great Guy. I enjoyed the times we spent together. Especially Alaska, those many years ago.
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