Paul William Wright Sr.

Paul W. Wright Sr., 85, of Titusville, Fl. passed away Monday, December 8, 2014, at Hosparus of Louisville. After spending 25 years in Florida he returned to Louisville, his adopted city to be close to family and friends.

He was born in Claysburg, Pa. on December 8, 1929 to the late Paul D. and Emma Wright. Paul was a 20 year veteran of the U. S. Army, SFC. He served one year in the Korean Conflict and two tours in Viet Nam. After his service he entered the hotel business in Louisville with the McGiffen Hotel Group where he managed all of the company’s Holiday Inns. He relocated to Florida to be close to his parents and brother; where he also managed the Holiday Inns in Daytona Beach and Titusville.

Paul was an avid horse racing fan, having attended 40+ Ky. Derby’s. His Derby highlight was in 1974, which was the 100th running of the Derby. Angel Cordero was a guest at his hotel. Paul was honored to drive Angel to the track early that Saturday morning. He felt that he shared a little bit of history when Angel won the Derby later that day.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Page Wright and sister Margaret Wall.

Survivors include his children, Paul Wright Jr. (Julie), Louisville; Zane Wright Roaring Spring,Pa., Curtis Wright, (Tina) Altoona,Pa; grandchildren, Nick Wright, Taylor Wright, Molly Wright, Jamie Richardson, and Danielle Wright; three great grandchildren; brother Wilbert Wright (Jeannie) Lakeland, Fl.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 14, 2014, at Churchill Downs , Champions Room, Gate 17 from 2 – 5 PM.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hosparus of Louisville or the American Cancer Society.