John Wright Jr.

(Ret.) Msgt John Wright Jr., age 74, left this earth on April 1st, 2015 to take up residence in Heaven with JESUS CHRIST, while surrounded by his loving family. John began his earthly life on November 19, 1940, in Fairfax, South Carolina born to John Sr. and Mazie (Harrison) Wright. The family moved to New York shortly after. John was educated in the New York City Public School System and attended Delaware State University later in life. He joined the United States Air Force in 1959 and his career took him to Lubbock, TX where he met and married the love of his life, JoAnn (Wagoner). They were married on February 6, 1965 in Fort Worth, TX; a year and a half later, their first daughter Joi was born. After returning from a tour in Thailand, he was stationed in Dover, DE where he made a permanent residence for his family and where daughters Michelle and Melissa were born. John's military career continued with a year and a half deployment in Panama and final assignment at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. John served his country for 21 years before retiring in 1980 and was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. During his service he was awarded the AF Commendation Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, AF Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one service star, AF Outstanding Unit Award with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. John had several talents and hobbies, he enjoyed archery, chess and wood-working; he was frequently sought out for his counsel and advice. John loved the outdoors and found great pleasure in fishing; he often shared this recreational activity with his wife, children, grandchildren, great - grandchildren and friend, William Blake - fishing was known as "The Wright Family's past-time". Throughout his life, John found ways to help those in need; he volunteered his time and service most often in transporting the sick and elderly until his health declined. His most significant achievement occurred on December 25th, 2014 when he rededicated his life and heart to JESUS CHRIST, recognizing and receiving HIM as Savior and Lord. The favor and grace of our HEAVENLY FATHER blessed John and JoAnn's marriage covenant to reached the 50 Year Golden Anniversary milestone on February 6, 2015. John was preceded in death by his parents John Sr. and Mazie Wright, brothers Herman Smith Sr., Benjamin Wright, Howard Wright, and daughter Melissa Wright. He leaves to cherish his life and memories: a wife, JoAnn Wright; two daughters, Joi Smith (Darren) and Michelle Wright; a devoted mother-in-law, Melvina Browne, all of Dover; one sister, Sadie Horton(Brooklyn, NY); one brother, Joseph Wright (Brooklyn, NY); three sisters-in-law: Pearlene Smith (Henderson, NC), Wilma Wright (Baltimore, MD) and Laura Wright (Westbury, NY); grandchildren: Darrell Smith, JaKeem Wright, JaQuay Smith and Dawnyea Daniels; six great-grandchildren; life-long friend, William Blake (Mary) (Willingboro, NJ); close friends, Willie Austin (Dover, DE), Charles Bonavita (Jacksonville, FL) and a host of other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Wright Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

John Wright Jr.

November 19, 1940 - April 1, 2015