Jack W. Wright

Jack W. Wright Sr., son, husband, father, pawpaw, 87 passed away on December 17, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born on May 19, 1929 in Benton Arkansas to William and Mazie(Spikes) Wright. He was raised in Lawrence County Arkansas. Moved to Rockford where he found his one true love, MaryLee A. Johnson and they were married on February 28, 1953.

Jack worked at National Lock in Rockford for 30 years. When he retired they started traveling the United States, often taking along one of their grandchildren. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as an usher and greeter for many years. He was a member of the Northern Illinois Coon and Fox Hunters Association. He served his country in the US Army.

Jack’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. He believed that you should help your neighbors in time of need and never turned away a stranger in distress. He loved sharing stories of his adventures and life lessons. He had a joke ready to make you laugh and a strong shoulder to cry on. Jack believed love was thicker than blood.

Survivors: children, Jack (Rose) Wright Jr. Gary (Colleen) Wright; Linda(Pegg Baie) Wright: grandchildren, Kailie Wright, Nathan Wright (Janet), Rebecca (Mitchell) Cruit, Eric (Jessica) Hedquist, Michelle (Chris) Courier and Michael (Wendy) Carey; great- grandchildren, Makenzie, Colin, Morgan, Madison, Noah and Taylor; sisters, Bille Sue (James) Lemmons, Cona Gean Higgs and Karen Wright; niece, Bobby(Charles) Ridge; brother- in- law, Walter (Jeannette) Johnson; sister –in- law, Beryl Johnson; extended family, Joan Gaines, James and Mitzi Carey, Charles and Ann Frondal; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, wife, sisters, Gola Fay, Eller Ree, Betty Jo; brother, Tim Wright; his precious niece, Debbie Honeycutt; T-Tom and Cricket. Our father lived a faithful life true to his wife, family and God. We will miss him every day and strive to be half the person he was. Good bye for now. We love you always.

Funeral Service to honor a life well celebrated: 10:00 a.m. on Tues. Dec. 27 at Sunset Funeral l Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL. with visitation from 9:00 until time of service. Also, Visitation: 5 – 7 p.m. on Mon. Dec.26, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salvation Army of whom Jack was a compassionate advocate. To express condolences, visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com