Manchester Obituary: Willie Wright, Jr., 82

Willie Wright, Jr. (a.k.a. Papa, Mr. Wright, and Juke The Boy Bynum), 82, of Manchester departed this life on January 23, 2018 peacefully at home with his family.

He was born February 28, 1935 in Dawson Georgia to the late Willie Wright and Willie Lee Bynum. Willie moved from Dawson Georgia with his wife Hilda in 1952 to Hartford and in 1973 moved to Manchester and has lived there for over 40 years.

He worked as a construction engineer for E.B. McGurk Co. for several years. Then he went on to pursue entrepreneurship as a business owner of two liquor stores in Hartford. He also worked as a circulation supervisor at the Hartford Courant for many years as well as a newspaper carrier for over 20 years where he retired.

He was a member of the United Brotherhood in Action which was the coming together of all the Fraternities in Connecticut. He was one of the chartered members of Tuscan Lodge No. 17 P.H. which was formed in 1960. He was the Past Master of Tuscan Lodge No. 17 from 1964-1965. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Royal Ache Mason, The Hartford Consistory of #80, and Makalia #172 Shiners. He was an active supporter of the Hartford Northend Little League; the Student of Color in Manchester, and he was very passionate about Black and Brown youths.

Willie was hard working, humble and cared for his family and friends while never forgetting the bridges he walked across to success and his wife Hilda was at his side every step of the way. He has traveled all over the US to at least 50 states as well as Victoria British Columbia Canada. Many of these places he traveled by car with his wife and children and never forgot the people he grew up with. He always either paid them a visit or called them during his travels.

He was a very smart man; many family members have said he was always sharing knowledge about the family. He took pride in making sure that family members knew each other. He also had a memory like an elephant; he remembers all phone numbers and addresses. He had a quiet demeanor, but when he did speak it was always a learning experience. He also had little sayings like “Every Shut Eye Is Not Sleep”.

He was a caring person, especially for those in need and those who were sick. When he was able, he would always go and visit the sick or called them to see how they were doing. Anything the family needed, he was there to provide. He had an unforgettable laugh and was always telling jokes; you will know it’s him just by hearing his voice. He was out-going and active; always on the go, before he became ill he walked at least 21 miles a week.

Besides his devoted wife Hilda, he is survived by his sons, Willie Wright III (Cleo), Rickey Wright (Cheryl) and Mark Wright; his daughters, Cathy Davis (Kenny), Helen Wright, Betty Wright and Pennie Hawkins; his grandchildren, Betty, Omashaw, Kuwan, Cliff, Shenica, Nickia, and Cherrelle; his great-grandchildren, Skylar, Jahniya, Chanya, and Willie Wright III grandchildren; and his Godson, Robert Wooden. He also leaves his closest and dearest friend, Mrs. Anne Lewis and Mrs. Betty Mc Intosh who were like sisters to him; his devoted and special friends, Lewis and Dolores Kelley, who was always there for him and Hilda until his death to assist with anything; a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews (especially Jesse Mayes), cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Edward Wright, and Robert Wright; four sisters, Lucille Steele, Juanita Johnson, Catherine Griffin, and Helen Wright.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Liberty Christian Church, 23 Vine Street, Hartford. Visitation is from 9:30am - 11:00am . The funeral service will begin at 11:00 am . Burial will be held in Manchester, at East Cemetery, 220 East Center Street.