William (Bill) Fox Wright, 93, passed away on February 9, 2020 at Givens Estates Health Center in Asheville, NC.
Bill was born May 15, 1926, at the family residence in Randleman, NC to the late Herbert Gaither Wright and Mary Ila Trogdon Wright.
Bill graduated from Randleman High School in 1943. He was a WWII Navy veteran serving aboard the Destroyer Escort USS Cates as a motor machinist mate 1st class. During this time he made 17 Atlantic crossings serving in the European-Africa theaters as well as the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Upon receiving his honorable discharge from the US Navy he returned to Randleman and married his high school sweetheart, Ealon Johnson in 1946. They were happily married for 68 years and lived at 160 Small Road in Randleman from 1955 until 2011 when they relocated to Asheville, NC to live with their son and his wife.
After many years working with his father's business, H. G. Wright's Grocery and Service Station, he became a professional auto salesman for his brother Joe Wright in Sanford, NC and finally with his brother Jim Wright in Eden, NC. Many automobiles were sold from Bill's kitchen table.
Bill was a man of many talents as a deer and quail hunter, water-skier, blacksmith and horse trainer, builder and brick mason, welder, mechanic, business man, salesman, and a self-employed entrepreneur. He was happiest in his retirement years taking care of his mobile home park and being out-of-doors on his Massey Ferguson tractor.
Bill is survived by his son Bill Wright, Jr. and his wife, Judy Wright of Asheville, NC; his grandson, David Wright and his two great grand-daughters, Emma and Ellie Wright of Burlington, NC; step-grandsons, Jay and Jonathan Coble of Asheville, NC; sister, Viola Wright Davis, of Randleman, NC; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy and Hilda Wright of Eden, NC; niece, Beth Glass of Greensboro; nephew, Bobby Yow of Asheboro; his longtime neighbor and dear friend, Viola Cox of Randleman, NC.
Bill is preceded in death by his devoted and loving wife Ealon; his brothers Warren Wright, Carl Wright, Joe Wright; and sister, Sue Wright.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 12, 2020 from 11:00 – 11:45 am at Pugh Funeral Home, 600 S. Main St., Randleman, NC , followed by funeral service at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Carol Hunter officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park, 4538 AS Bus. N. Asheboro, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Four Seasons Hospice Care, 571 South Allen Rd., Flat Rock, NC 28731 or Mt. Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 119 W. River Drive, Randleman, NC 27317. Arrangements are in the care of Pugh Funeral Home, 600 S. Main St., Randleman. On line condolences may be made at www.pughfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the highly trained staff at Four Seasons Hospice Care and Givens Estates Health Center. The special trusted care and compassionate support that was given so that our time spent with Bill Sr. was of the highest quality.