Harry D. Wright Jr.

Harry was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He lived a rich and rewarding life, and will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

After running his own garage as a teen and then graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1947, he pursued his passion for all things automotive, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Cincinnati. After college, he joined Delco Products (a division of General Motors) in Dayton, OH, where he advanced to manager of the Engineering Labs, and pioneered the introduction of Organizational Development (OD). He later became Assistant Administrator of Minority Supplier Development for General Motors. He retired from GM after 30 years. He finished his career as Chief Engineer of Horton Emergency Vehicles in Columbus, OH, in 1994. Throughout his life Harry exemplified the role of a servant-leader. It was obvious to all who knew him that this came from his love and active faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Beyond his devotion to family, he served his community in many roles involving public service, church leadership and Scouting. One of his proudest personal accolades was an award he received from General Motors recognizing him as GM Award of Excellence in Community Activities, earned for his organization of relief supplies and volunteers during the 1974 Xenia tornado. Harry is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Virginia (Ginny), his children Stephen Wright (Donna) of Dayton, Julie Wright Hankey (Randy) of Kettle Falls, WA, and David Wright (Gwen) of Franklin, TN and his six grandchildren: Nate Hall of New York, NY, Jasmine Hankey of Reno, NV, Jessica Wright Hazel [Chris] of Aurora, CO, Michael Wright [Laura] of Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Daniel Wright of Chattanooga, TN and Kristen Wright of Franklin, TN. A visitation will be held from 5–8pm, Monday, February 8 at Tobias Funeral Home – Centerville Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave., Dayton OH 45429. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 11am at Tobias Funeral Home – Centerville Chapel, followed by burial at Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, OH. The family wishes to thank his caregivers and staff at Bethany Village. Remembrances, condolences and messages to the family, may be left on Harry D Wright’s online guest book at tobiasfuneralhome.com.