J. Wright

John Leslie Wright, Jr., 54, passed away on December 13, 2020 in Edmond, OK. A private Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, December 17, 2020 at ACTS 2 United Methodist Church in Edmond, OK. To join the celebration via livestream, please follow the link: https://youtu.be/ldi-QWz3mMk .

J. was born on November 10, 1966 in Winamac, IN to John Leslie Wright, Sr. and Ruth Eileen Davis Wright. J. grew up in Texas and Oklahoma, graduating from Edmond Memorial High School in Edmond, OK in 1985. He went on to attend the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK where he became an avid Sooner fan and an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1989.

J. married his high school sweetheart Melody Paige Stith on June 9, 1990 and they shared 30 wonderful years of marriage. Melody was the love of his life and nothing was more important to J. than his family. He was a devoted husband and father and loved their two sons beyond measure. He was most proud of Cooper and Cale along with nephew Blake with whom he spent many evenings grilling, swimming, and enjoying time in the hot tub. His family was his pride and joy and family time on weekends was treasured.

J. lit up any and every room he walked into. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, traveling, and hosting numerous OU watch parties. He also was an avid trip planner and loved to organize. Throughout his life, he kept many connections with his fraternity brothers and high school friends. Relationships and people were always his strong suit.

J. had a 20-year-long career with Trinity Industries, Inc. and rose to his current position as Senior Vice President of Trinity Rail Maintenance Operations. J. did not just observe Trinity’s core values—he lived them. Throughout his time with Trinity, he formed countless connections and relationships with lifelong friends, colleagues, and coworkers. He was proud of every individual with whom he had the privilege of working.

He will be remembered for being the host with the most, a hilarious story teller, and the life of the party, but most of all he will be remembered as a wonderful son, husband, father, brother, son-in-law and brother-in-law.

J. was preceded in death by his father, John Leslie Wright, Sr.; mother-in-law, Annette Corder; and brother-in-law, Aaron Stith. He is survived by his mother, Ruth Wright; wife, Melody Paige Wright; sons, Aaron Cooper Wright and Evan Cale Wright and their sweet girlfriends; sister, Janienne Bella and brother-in-law Tony Bella; nephew, Blake Bella; in-laws, Tommy and Bettye Corder, Rex and Carol Stith; and sister-in-law Susan Heitz and husband Rob; and many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends.