Graham,
Joseph James Wright, 87 passed away at White Oak Manor on Friday February 3,2017.
Joseph was born May 12, 1929 to Jimmie Green Wright and Maud Lee Hundley Wright in Cedar Grove, NC. He married the love of his life, Wilma Jane Isaacs, on July 27, 1953. To this union were born five children. Some years after Wilma became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Joseph began to study with the Witnesses, made his dedication and was baptized on May 1, 1965. He remained faithful until his death and served as an Elder in Durham, NC for many years. During the time of Integration, they were one of the first families to move to the South Congregation. Living proof of the love for his God Jehovah who is not partial. Even after his health started to decline and he was no longer able physically to make it to the meetings, Joseph showed his appreciation for Jehovah’s arrangement by calling in to listen to the meetings.
Prior to becoming a Witness, Joseph (whose nickname was Eagle Eye) was a professional bowler. He taught his three sons how to bowl at an early age. He and his brother Merritt played in many tournaments, often winning doubles. Joseph also loved playing cards, especially spades. Often he and Wilma would play with their dear friends, Frank and Mary Ann Ranes and George and Betty Bennett. He also enjoyed playing pool.
Joseph was a family man. His children have fond memories of going to Assemblies and Conventions, camping trips, beach trips, and trips to the mountains to visit their mom’s family in Boone. Before his health began to fail, he would drive around to visit his children and his mother. Joseph was also a Carolina fan and loved watching the games on tv. His children will always remember watching the games together and rooting for Carolina as an exciting time in their household. But he always remembered his son-n-law Tim was a Duke fan.
His daughter Amber has fond memories of dancing with her dad at her wedding. Daughter Romona remembers when he worked for JM Matthews, when he received a bonus, he would call all the kids together, fold a $5.00 bill real tight and throw it up into the air and whoever caught it, it was theirs. His son Joey loved going to work with him during the summer months when he worked at JM Matthews. He enjoyed having lunch with him and being treated to all kinds of candies and ice cream. His son Kenny remembers their trips to Bugs Island. Especially the time when their dad was trying to find the vacation rental home and almost drove into the water. The oldest son Gary enjoyed bowling with his dad. At the age of 75 he retired from being a driver for Thrifty Rental. His granddaughters have fond memories of going on rides with him in the Thrifty Rental truck throughout the airport.
Two years after his beloved wife’s death, Joseph moved in with his son Joey, where he stayed for 25 years. Over the past few years, Joey and his wife Deborah lovingly cared for Joseph until he died peacefully on Friday, February 3, 2017. They often reflect on Joseph treating them to his favorite Chinese restaurant after the Sunday meetings. Occasionally, they would switch it up and go someplace else, but dad would let them know he didn’t like it. Once they decided to take him to the beach. Halfway there they asked if he was excited about going to the beach and dad said, “not really.” Although he never said it, they think he ended up having a nice time. Once his health started to decline, his favorite meal was breakfast. He even bragged to the nurses who helped care for him about the good breakfasts his son made, and he especially loved Deborah’s stewed apples, which she made regularly for him.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie Green Wright and Maud Lee Hundley Wright; His dear wife, Wilma Jane; two brothers and one sister. Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Amber Porterfield, Gary Wright, Joey Wright (Deborah), Romona Hall (Tim), and Kenny Wright. Three grandchildren, Marina Hall, Madison Hall and Kenneth Wright; And numerous friends.
Joseph was a gracious and kind man. He was sweet, gentle and lovable, and always had a warm smile for everyone. He will be dearly missed. Our greatest comfort is knowing that he will be asleep for only a moment, and then by means of the resurrection we will get to see and be with him on a Paradise Earth. What a beautiful time that will be!
A memorial service for him will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 2:00 pm, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Gibsonville NC.
The family would like to extend a special Thanks to Lebauer Healthcare, VA and Hospice. Sign an online register book at www.omegafsc.com Arrangements are in the care of Omega Funeral Service & Crematory.
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