William “Vernon” Wright, 83, of Pearcy, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Hot Springs. He was born in 1942 to the late James “Frank” Wright and Hattie Dollar Wright and was a graduate of Lake Hamilton School.
In 1963, Vernon married Wanda “Sue” Berryhill. They raised three children and shared 61 years together, before her passing in 2024.
Vernon was an avid outdoorsman, much preferring to be outside, rather than indoors. ALWAYS wearing a pair of overalls, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, with deer and turkey seasons being among his favorites. In addition to farming and raising various animals, he liked planting and tending to a garden (& sometimes 2 or 3) each year and enjoyed maintaining bee hives and collecting honey- which he would share with family and friends.
Vernon started work for the Keith Smith Company while in high school. In addition to various carpentry / odd jobs, he continued working for Keith Smith as part of the “Farm Crew” for several years, before starting his own poultry business, and continuing his family farm. After “retiring” from the poultry producing industry, Vernon did not settle down much.
In 2000, he started working for the University of Arkansas. His mostly “behind-the-scenes” work helped to develop, transform and maintain the lakefront property known as Garvan Woodland Gardens, a 210-acre botanical garden that welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors per year to the Hot Springs area. He retired from there in 2020, to focus on providing additional care for his loving wife in her remaining years.
Vernon served his community for many years as a volunteer firefighter and board member with the 70 West Fire Department, and as a member of the Garland County Fair Board. He was also involved with Garland County Cattleman’s, Hot Springs Bee Keepers, and Lake Hamilton FFA Alumni.
In addition to his wife and parents, Vernon was predeceased by a brother, Arthur Wright, and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Vesta & Columbus Mahan and Helen & Jessie Weatherford, and a sister-in-law, Lois Wright.
He is survived by his three children & their spouses: Laura King (Bob) of Rocky Mount, LA, and sons Robert Wright (Deirdre) of Jacksonville, FL, and Mike Wright (Barbara) of Pearcy; brothers Henry Wright of Bonnerdale, and Glenn Wright (Yolonda) of Pearcy; Sister-in-Law Judy Berryhill (Michael) of Pearcy; and his Grandchildren Brandon Archer (Michelle), Jeremiah (Sarah) Wright, Nathan (Morgan) Wright, Sarah Wright, Chris Adams, Dalton and Dustin Wright and Brian (Lindsay) Lookadoo, and Jacob (Santana) Lookadoo. Vernon had 15 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and their spouses and kids.
For the excellent treatment and care of Vernon, the family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff of the Arkansas Renal Group, Lifetouch Health / AR Hospice, and the staff, doctors and nurses (especially his favorite, “Maggie”) of CHI St. Vincent Unit 2 West and the ER.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 22, 2026, 2 PM – 4 PM, at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights ST, Hot Springs. Graveside service will be Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Oma Cemetery on Amity RD. Pallbearers will be Vernon’s 6 grandsons.
