Eugene Joseph Wright

Eugene (“Gene”) J. Wright, Jr. passed away on May 20, 2023, at the age of 71, surrounded by his family after a fierce battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Despite his suffering, his love of family gave him the strength and determination to fight until the end. He was truly a man of steel and an inspiration to all who knew him. But Gene would not want to be remembered for his suffering. He was a humble and selfless man who should be remembered for his gentle nature and kindness.

Gene was born on December 7, 1951 in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he spent most of his life until moving to Houston in 2009. Gene worked for Dow Chemical in Boutte, LA as an Instrumentation Specialist and later as a Planner until he took a disability retirement in 2006. But perhaps Gene is best known for his successful “retirement career” investing the nest egg that he worked so hard to build.

Gene was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved traveling (especially anywhere on or near a beach!), sci-fi and fantasy movies (you should see his collection!), board games (we played every night until his passing), tending his succulent garden, and working out.

Gene is survived by his wife of 40 years, Jeannie (he would tell anyone who listened that it was love at first sight), their son Bradley (his wife Kristen and their beautiful children Jax (8) and Remi (6)), and their daughter Amy (her husband Dean Smith and their wonderful, blended family Castle Smith (13), Ryder Smith (13) and Cameron (11) and Bridget (9)).

We will honor Gene at a Celebration of Life on Sunday June 4, 2023, from 2-4 pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079. Attire is smart casual. Please, no suits or dark clothes. In lieu of flowers, please do an unexpected act of kindness for a total stranger who seems to be in need. That is what Gene would want and that is what Gene would do.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Wright family.