William C. Wright passed away peacefully at home on Saturday morning July 21, 2018, surrounded by his family. He has gone on his journey now to join his beloved wife, Kate, and many others, who have gone before. William is survived by his three children, Jeff Wright, Susan Chaney and Pamela Valeri; and one grandchild, Makenzi Murphy.
In 1957, William married Kate Hickey. They were married for 55 years until Kate’s passing in 2012, raising their three children and traveling the world, later in life, visiting places across the United States and exploring many European countries, as well, including Greece, Netherlands and France.
Born on August 5, 1934 in Waterloo, to Jewel Wright, William attended grammar school there. Always learning and expanding his knowledge, he returned to the classroom later in life, attending ABAC in Tifton where he received several BBA degrees, each with high honors.
William worked for over 35 years for the USDA at the Coastal Plain Experimentation in Tifton in the Nematology Department, where he was engaged in scientific agricultural research. He then worked an additional 17 years in a similar role for Southeast Ag Research in Chula for David Moore. William was a medic in the United States Army and continued serving his country as active member of the National Guard. William was a great rifleman and taught Marksmanship in the National Guard, leading his team and winning many medals and awards.
In the 1960’s, William bought a Piper Cub airplane, along with his best friend Randy Thompson. They had many great adventures together and were quite bold in the sky, taking their children up for wild rides including rolls, stalls and dives. Williams’s love of flying continued, with his recent flight over Tifton, along with the Collins Foundation in a P-51 Mustang. Reaching speeds approaching 500 miles per hour, William did indeed pilot the aircraft at times.
Memorial services for friends and family of William Wright will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Bowen Donaldson Home for Funerals. Please join his family in celebrating his life. William has asked that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Tift County Animal Shelter, 278 Georgia Highway 125 South, Tifton, GA 31794.