George Vernon Wright, Jr.

George V. Wright went home to be with the Lord on June 1, 2011, after a brilliant 3-year battle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He spent his last 6 days in hospice at home surrounded by his loving wife Freida, sister-in-law Deanna, son Greger, son Kerry, daughter-in-law Kristina, and grandchildren Kennah and Kolton.

He was born to George and Clara Wright in St. Louis Missouri, October 11, 1925. George grew up in Wheatland, Missouri, and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where he graduated from high school. He attended Kings Business College in Raleigh before being drafted into the U.S. Army where he served a 6-month tour of Japan in 1945 after the Pacific war ended. He then attended John Brown University in Arkansas on the G.I. Bill.

George was a territorial manager for Owens Illinois in Texas until he retired in 1987. He and his wife Freida owned the Diet Center on Bandera Road until they both retired in 1993.

His passions were big band music and ballroom dancing. George and Freida were former members of the K Supper Club ballroom dancing. His other obsessions were Fox News Channel and Lawrence Welk. He served as precinct election judge for years along with his wife. He was a member of First Baptist Church of San Antonio and watched them faithfully on TV for the past three years. He enjoyed a well manicured yard, gardening and praying for rain. His tastes included fine suits, wingtip shoes and looking sharp at all times. George was a detailed person and an artist in his own right who loved all things beautiful. Singing softly in rich, sonorous tones to ballads and hymns played on the radio was quite common, which was comforting to himself and those around him. George loved people—particularly the company of nonjudgmental souls who loved from their hearts; who were overtly warm, safe and affirming, for that was the kind of man he was. His friends adored him for his warmth, charm and dignity. He would consistently engage a clerk or service person with respectful consideration. Through his English bride—"The Love of his Life" as he referred to her—he became an avid fan of British humor through British television comedies.

He is survived by his loving wife, Freida, of 32 years; sister Ann and husband Dave Measell and family of Kansas; brother Richard and wife Lynn Wright and family of Texas; son Greger Wright of Alaska; son Mike Wright and wife of Colorado; son Major Curby Graham, wife Stephanie, granddaughters Claire and Vivian of Virginia; son Kerry Graham, wife Kristina, granddaughter Kennah and grandson Kolton of Arizona.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 7, 2011. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

GRAVESIDE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011

9:00 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

MEMORIAL SERVICE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011

1:00 P.M.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-WILSON CHAPEL

515 McCULLOUGH

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of San Antonio Television Ministry, 515 McCullough Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215.