Joseph Franklin Wright, age 80, of Vernon, AL, passed away June 21, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, after a lengthy illness.
Joe was born November 19, 1940, in Selma, AL, to the late James Hollis Wright and Byrtha Pauline Mathis Wright. He lived most of his life in Vernon, and attended Lamar County High School. Later, Joe worked many years at Omni International in Vernon.
Joe enjoyed communicating with people all over the country with CB radio, Ham Radio, and the computer. At an early age, his dad instilled in him a love for fishing, and he was a good fisherman. Joe was an avid Vernon Bulldogs supporter, and loved the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. He also loved southern gospel music and attended many singings in the area.
Joe asked Jesus to be his Lord and Savior at an early age, and was a faithful member of the Vernon First United Methodist Church where he served on various committees, singing the in the choir, and on occasion teaching his Sunday School Class. He loved people and made an impact on many lives, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Joe was preceded in death by parents, and a great-nephew, Nicholas Adams.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 25, at 2:00 PM, at the Vernon First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Michael Rogers and Rev. Gene Langford officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Lamar Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 1:00 until service time at the church.
Active pallbearers will be Daniel Wright, Don Dollar, David Bash, Wayne Robinson, Doug Scallion, and Kenny Delk. Honorary pallbearers will be the Fellowship Sunday School Class at the Methodist Church, the West Alabama Amateur Radio Club members, the Tombigbee Amateur Radio Club members, Dr. William Davis, and Ed Gosa.
Joe leaves behind a brother, James Hollis (Noble) Wright, Jr.; a nephew, James Kirk (Kim) Wright; a niece, Jennifer Wright (Tom) Adams Adams; eight grand nephews and nieces; and a host of cousins and friends. Also very special to Joe were Doris and Eddie Nails Marsha Carr who lovingly cared for Joe as if he were their own family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vernon First United Methodist Church in Joe’s memory.
