Roy B Wright

Born November 19, 1925 in Fritch, Texas to Roy Burdette Wright, Sr. and Ruby Dunaway Wright, Roy was one of 11 children. Roy is preceded in death by his wife: Dela Kramr Wright, his parents: Roy and Ruby, his brothers: Frank, Jim, Jack, and Joe, his sisters: Kathleen Brennen and Jane Haley. He is survived by his children: Carol, Charles, and Sherri, grandchildren: Russell, Julia, Brian, Holly, Kipp and his great grandchildren: Colby, Violet, Zoe, Lucas, and Jaxson. Roy grew up in the panhandle of Texas. Along with his Dad, Mom, brothers, and sisters he worked their cattle ranch. When he was 10 years old his father died, leaving the family alone to work the land. Life was hard for their family, however the strength of his mother’s strong religious beliefs surrounded them with love and they survived. As a teenager, Roy and his brothers followed the passion of their ancestors – The Wright Brothers. Roy loved aviation and while in high school purchased his first airplane. That was the start of a lifelong love. Roy graduated from high school and West Texas State College. He was ready to start his career and accepted a job with Natural Gas Pipeline in Wharton, Texas. While in Wharton he met Dela Kramr. He lovingly referred to her as “Dearie” and soon they married and began a 62 year life together. Roy and Dela and their 3 children enjoyed living in numerous states always making new friends along the way. Each time Roy was transferred with his job he quickly sought out pilots in the area to continue his flying hobby. Roy was always ready to go flying. He welcomed anyone with an interest and was glad to take them for a ride. He became an instructor and watched in pride as each student would solo. He volunteered at the airport and many Eagle Scouts experienced their first ride in an airplane. Roy was tireless. He would not stop until every person had a ride. Roy accepted a job in Illinois. While he was there he became active in the Lions Club. He was instrumental in developing a nature park that is still enjoyed by residents today. In addition to flying, Roy had many other hobbies. He loved the outdoors and spent many years enjoying his annual mule deer hunting trip in Colorado with his brothers, his son, and friends. They always had a great time and came home with lots of tales to share. Fishing was also on his hobby list. Roy traveled to the gulf to pursue saltwater fishing. He enjoyed the fishing so much he purchased a small cabin that could only be reached by airplane or boat. What a perfect combination! He spent lots of time with family and friends at his cabin. Roy and Dela were blessed with 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. They spent every free moment involved in all the activities of the grandchildren. They were active cheerleaders at baseball games, rodeos, school plays and pizza parties. When Dela died 1 ½ years ago Roy took up residence at Elmcroft Assisted Living. He enjoyed many new friendships there. One very special friendship developed when Maxine Fisher was hired as an aide. “Maxi” as he referred to her quickly became more than his caregiver. She became his trusted friend. Roy and Maxi would talk, venture out to nearby towns for lunch, and assist with Roy’s business interests. That was a one of a kind friendship that Roy’s family will forever be grateful. In May 2016 Roy was awarded the prestigious “Wright Brothers Flying Award”. It was one of his most proud achievements and he celebrated with family and friends. At the time of his death Roy was surrounded by his family allowing him to fly one final flight to heaven. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Cal Farley Boys Ranch or Hospice Visitation will begin on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 1pm with funeral services to follow at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church in Wharton with Rev. Mickey Reynolds and Rev. Shelli Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www. whartonfuneralhome.com.