Mr. Wilbur H. Wright's Obituary
Wilbur Harralson Wright passed away peacefully on August 27, 2017. He was born on April 5, 1924 in Nashville, Tennessee into a loving, Christian family. His father, mother, and sister Evelyn would shortly after welcome younger brother Wilton. This strong foundation of family served Wilbur well and shaped his focus on Christ and family throughout his life.
A 1943 graduate of East High School, he left for WW2-with special permission to graduate first- a young man and returned a decorated war hero, praised for his courage, ability to lead, and loyalty. He served in Italy in all three major battles with the 88th Infantry Division. He received the Bronze star for heroic achievement in combat and the purple heart. Wilbur was a member of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of Police.
He married his sweetheart, Earlene Evans in 1945. Together they had two children, Theresa Ann and Mark. After studying technical drafting at Tennessee Tech, Wilbur went on to serve with the Metro Nashville Police Department, known to many as Sgt. Wright. He ran Nashville's first mobile crime lab, and was an expert in crime fingerprints, many times giving testimony at trial and leading classes at the police academy. Retiring after 34 years with MNPS he worked security for Caster Knott for several years.
After Earlene's death in 1984 he then married Beverly Jo Davidson in 1985. They went on to enjoy 32 years of marriage and Wilbur welcomed and loved Beverly's children as his own. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, he attended Lischey Avenue then Northside Church of Christ until his death.
In his free time, Wilbur played the guitar, banjo, and harmonica. He meticulously maintained his possessions, crafted new works of art in his woodworking shop, rode motorcycles, camped, fished, and told stories of WW2 with great detail.
Wilbur lived a long, rich life surrounded by family and friends who loved him. He was preceded in death by parents, William Clyde and Ora Marie Harralson Wright, wife Earlene Evans Wright, daughter Theresa Ann Woodson, sister Evelyn Evans (Bobby), and brother Wilton Wright (Louise). He is survived by his wife, Beverly Davidson Wright, four children, Mark ( Piper Lorie) Wright, Kara Gregory, Kevin Bryant, and Konni Jo Bryant. Grandchildren are William Wright, Molly Wright, Samuel Wright, Teri Ann (Kevin) Hooper, Tara (Chris) Griffin, Jesse Mason, Betsy (Austin) Littrell, Sophie (Mitzi) Mason, Emma Gregory, Zachary Tyler, Kara Jayne Tyler.
Together Wilbur and Beverly's blended families had 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Spring Hill Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 30 4-8 pm.
A celebration of Wilbur's life will be at Northside Church of Christ, Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 11 am with an additional visitation at 10 am.Graveside services with military honors will follow at Spring Hill’s veteran cemetery.
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