Dr. Earl Lee Wright Jr. passed over peacefully at the age of 83 surrounded by his loving family on February 12, 2025. He was born on July 5, 1941 in Sinton, Texas to Nola Beatrice and Earilee Wright Sr.
He attended Brackenridge High School, San Antonio College, St. Mary’s University and the University of Texas at Austin where he earned his PhD in Higher Education Administration. He was the starting forward on the first St. Mary’s basketball team to play in the NAIA National Tournament. Earl began teaching psychology at San Antonio College in 1968, later becoming Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs. He was awarded Professor Emeritus in 2017 after 48 years of service. He was an inspiration to his students and colleagues by his dedication to higher education through his many years as professor, national lecturer for Nova University, and in the graduate psychology and education programs at St. Mary’s, Our Lady of the Lake, Prairie View A&M, and UTSA. Earl was a member of Phi Delta Kappa and numerous professional organizations, including AAHE, AAUA, AAUP, APA, and College Board. When interviewed for a magazine article, he was asked, “What is the best thing money can buy?” He said, “Is this a trick question? Education.”
Earl married Autrey Faye Caldwell on September 27, 1964. To this union three children were born: Arlene, Darius, and Adrian. On July 13, 1990, Earl married Susan Louise Nelson, his devoted wife and soulmate. To this union his daughter Laura Louise was born. Earl was the epitome of fatherhood to all of his children, including his dear nephew Reagan Francis. His unwavering ability to give of himself to his children was boundless and he prioritized them in every single aspect of his life. He loved and cherished his grandchildren the same. His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandson were the greatest joys of his life.
Earl’s contributions to the city of San Antonio were long-standing and generous with lasting impact. Earl and Susan built the Peach Creek Apartments in 1994 with the purpose of giving back to the Eastside community. Over the years he was active in United Way, Alamo City Chamber of Commerce, Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and Texas Special Olympics. He was a beloved YMCA, CYO and AAU basketball and football coach.
Earl is preceded in death by his parents Nola Beatrice and Earilee Wright Sr. He is survived by his wife Susan Louise Wright; his children Arlene Wright Evans, Darius Wright (Erica), Adrian Wright (Patricia), and Laura Wright Dungy (Scott); his grandchildren Donnell Joseph Sr., Isaiah, Darianna Elisabeth, Adrianna, Maya Pilar, and Darius Jr.; his great-grandson Donnell Joseph Jr.; his nephew Reagan Francis (Hannah); cousins Mildred Johnson and Dorothy Bailey, as well as a host of relatives and dear friends.
Visitation will be held on February 24, 2025 from 7:00-9:00 P.M. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E.
The celebration of Earl's life will be at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 N. Walters St. on February 25, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at MeadowLawn Cemetery, 5611 E. Houston St.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Earl’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/
