John Wayne Wright
October 23, 1925 — March 24, 2021
John Wayne Wright, 95, of Columbus, GA died Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Columbus Hospice House.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM Monday, March 29, 2021 at Parkhill Cemetery with Rev. Vickie Scott officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:30 PM at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. In keeping with the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 facemasks and social distancing will be required.
John was born October 23, 1925 to the late Francis Wayne Wright and Minnie Lee Geddie. He graduated from Jordan Vocational High School in 1942. After high school, he went into the Navy Air Corp where he flew with Dive Bomber Crews during WWII. He loved his time in the Navy and serving his country. He talked about it often. After the Navy, he worked as a welder manufacturing hospital equipment at Wilson Manufacturing. He moved up the ranks to become Vice President/General Manager at Smith & Nephew Wilson. After retiring from Smith & Nephew Wilson in 1985, he started his own company called Med-Equip Company. After retiring from Med-Equip, he and Eloise spent years going between their home in Columbus,GA and Panama City, FL. He loved riding his bike to the beach. He loved having friends and family visit. In 1983, then Governor Joe Frank Harris appointed John Wright to Lieutenant Colonel, Aide De Camp, and Governor’s Staff for his patriotism, valor and fidelity in the Georgia State Militia. He was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Columbus.
Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Eloise B. Wright, son Greg W. Wright and brother William Wright.
He is survived by his daughter Jill W. Turner (J.R.) of Smyrna, GA, son John Robin Wright of Barnesville, GA, grandchildren, Kimberley Pitts (Alan), Kelli Slappey (Greg), Julie R. Constantine (Trey), Mary Turner, great-grandchildren, Amanda Long (Karl), Justin Pitts, Rachael Pitts, Taylor Slappey, Trevor Slappey, great great-grandchildren Brayden Holland, Aiden Pitts, Karleigh Lewis, and Audree Pitts.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to:
Shriners Hospital for Children
2900 Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, FL 33607-1435
www.shrinershospitals.org
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