Gregory Gene Wright

Gregory Gene Wright, 53, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on February 17, 2026. Born on January 9, 1973, in Lorain, Ohio, Greg lived a life fueled by horsepower, adventure, and deep love for the people around him.

Raised in an automotive family, Greg’s passion for cars began at an early age and remained a constant throughout his life. Greg and his father attended the Indy 500 in 1989, and Greg won a helmet signed by all the drivers. He also got to meet IndyCar legend Emerson Fittipaldi. Fittipaldi won the race, and Greg had dinner with him, Mario and Michael Andretti, and AJ Foyt. Later, in the 1990s, Greg met IndyCar and Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell. That passion led him to the racetrack, where he proudly competed in the Legends and Supertrucks Series of NASCAR during the late 1990s and early 2000s. His racing career included a race against the Allison Brothers. Whether behind the wheel or under the hood, Greg felt most at home in the world of engines and speed. This also tied to his dream job, Quality Manager at Hirotec Manufacturing America in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He loved his job and the people he worked with.

Beyond racing, Greg had a heart for exploration, triggered at a very early age by visits to the Tutahnkamen traveling exhibits in New York City and Pittsburgh in the late 1970s. This started a deep love of Egypt, although this was one location he did not get a chance to visit. He loved to travel — both across the United States and abroad. His many cruises carried him throughout the Caribbean, and it was on one of those unforgettable journeys that he met the love of his life, Amy. Together, after their February 2009 wedding, they continued to explore the world, with trips to Iceland and Scotland among his favorites. Tying his love of travel and racing, Greg attended Formula 1 races in Silverstone, England and Austin, Texas. Another memorable cruise brought him to England, Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands — adventures he treasured deeply.

Huntsville, Alabama and New Jersey were both places Greg proudly called home, as each held meaningful chapters of his life and relationships.

Greg will be profoundly missed by his devoted wife, Amy; their beloved kitty, Holly; his sister, Stephanie; his parents, Brenda Wright and Darius (Sheila) Wright; his parents-in-law, Ken and Leslie McGill; his half-sister, Lauren; his step-sister, Jessica; aunt and uncle Debbie and Bob Friend; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives he touched.

A visitation will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home, located at 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, AL 35811, on February 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.