Dr. Bruce Wright, a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 87. Born October 3, 1938, in Marshall County, Alabama, to Cecil and Sue Porch Wright, Bruce lived a life filled with love, learning, and service.
In September 1960, Bruce married the love of his life, Carolyn Lyle Wright. He often said he felt like he had been struck by lightning the first time he saw her, calling her the most beautiful woman he had ever seen—truly love at first sight. For 59 wonderful years, they shared a life of love, adventure, and Auburn football, building a beautiful family together. Bruce was preceded in death by Carolyn; his parents; and his beloved daughter, Terri Wright Derrough.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen Wright Hangartner (Scott); grandchildren, Alan Hangartner (Carol Ann), Jonathan Hollis, Lawson Hangartner, Haley Hangartner (Dominick Skinner), and Mary Caroline Derrough Peeden (Austin); and four great-granddaughters, Addi, Sophie, Olivia, and Avery, who brought him endless joy.
Bruce grew up in Marshall County and graduated from Albertville High School in 1956, where he played basketball and football. A lifelong learner, he attended Vanderbilt University and earned degrees from Auburn University and Jacksonville State University and ultimately earned his doctorate from the University of Alabama. After serving in the U.S. Army at Fort Benning and Fort Knox, Bruce returned to Alabama to begin a distinguished career in education. Over the years, he served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in multiple school systems, culminating in his service as Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools until his retirement in 2000. His leadership shaped schools and communities, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students and educators.
Outside of work, Bruce, known as “PopPop” to his family, loved traveling with Carolyn “MeeMee” in their RV and cheering on Auburn sports teams. After retirement, they settled in Huntsville to be near their daughters and grandchildren, attending countless ball games, band and choral concerts, and theater performances with pride and joy.
Bruce will be remembered as a kind and honorable man who loved his family, his church, and Auburn University.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and caregivers at Huntsville Hospital’s 6th Floor Cardio Unit for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be held Saturday, December 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. A private family burial will take place at Hampton Cove Cemetery.
Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, (https://www.weatherly.org/), the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) (https://www.nationalcac.org/), or Free to Teach (https://free-2-teach.org/). Weatherly has been Bruce’s beloved church home, and Free to Teach represents his and his daughters’ life work.
