Eddie L. Wright

Eddie Louis Wright was born on February 28, 1937, in Boley, Oklahoma, to Louis and Mattie Wright. He was the oldest brother to Lola Mae Hall-Blackmon and Algine Wright. The family later relocated from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Portland, Oregon, where they built a life. He attended Washington High School. An active 5'11" basketball player, graduated in 1955.

After graduation, Eddie traveled with a basketball team before being called to serve his country in the United States Army. He served for “2 years, 2 months, 2 long”—one of his favorite sayings.

Upon returning home, Eddie worked various jobs until he began a long and fulfilling career with Tektronix, next to his sister Lola Mae. He was a Janitorial Supervisor, where he dedicated 28 years before retiring. Not one to stay idle, he later came out of retirement and worked with ServiceMaster Clean and UPS before retiring completely.

Eddie was a proud father of seven daughters: Twinkle, Debbie, Valerie, Jeanne, Barbara, Vicky, and Felicia. Through them, he gained his greatest treasures—his first grandson named after him Eddie L. Wright II, and the following grandchildren, Shalanda, Duker, Deeqa, Lakesha, Curtrina, Alexander, Nicholas, DeAngelo, Spencer, Breya, Margjae, and a host of great and great-great-grandchildren. Where he often said, “They all look like Me!”

He cherished spending time with his grandchildren, often taking them out for ice cream or sweet treats. He delighted in teaching them how to “ham bone” and whistle to his favorite tunes. He was known affectionately as the “Tickle Man” to the children, because he loved to see them laugh. Eddie created joyful memories wherever he went. One of his favorite traditions was gathering all the young grandchildren to take them to Felicia’s house for banana pudding or his favorite—coconut cake to celebrate his birthday, or a trip to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour. As they grew older, he made it a point to check in regularly, as he told them, “It’s my obligation as your parent”. He was truly a hands-on grandpa.

Eddie loved anything new and top-of-the-line. He always wanted to be the first to try the latest and greatest things. His favorite car was a brand-new Thunderbird straight off the showroom floor. He found inspiration for his colorful flocked Christmas trees from strolling down Peacock Lane, and home improvements ideas he would often visit Street of Dreams for the latest gadgets and ideas. One of his prized possessions was his floor model TV—with a phone built into it. He turned those loves into reality in a home where family and friends were always welcome to enjoy.

Eddie never met a stranger. He met his bonus brother, Alberto Diaz, simply by walking into a restaurant and whistling one of his favorite tunes. From this union he gained his Cuban Family; Mom Victoria Diaz and niece Contessa Diaz-Nicolaidias. He was known for participating in the neighborhood block party. Being Mr. DJ Man…

Eddie is a true lover of R&B and jazz and known for commanding a room with his debonair style of dress and smooth dance moves, often doing the cha-cha with a combo two-step flair. That would have the people calling him Mr. Smooth.

His heart was full, and it overflowed onto all who knew him. To miss him so deeply is to know how special he was. We were truly blessed to have him as Daddy, Daddio, Dad, Grandpa, Pawpaw, and his famously known name Uncle Eddie. He may have been called by many names, but he was one remarkable man to all of us. He will forever live in our hearts and memories.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Mattie Wright; his sister, Lola Mae Hall-Blackmon; his brother, Algine Wright; his daughters, Debbie Wright and Denise “Twinkle” Callahan; his grandson, Carland “Duker” Allen; his bonus mother Victoria Diaz, and his bonus brother Alberto Diaz.

He is survived by his five daughters: Valerie Wright, Jeanne Dansby, Barbara Loving, Vicky Wright, and Felicia Wright; eleven grandchildren: Eddie L. Wright ll, Shalanda Sims, Deeqa Wright, Lakesha Huff, Trina Huff, Alexander Cowley, Spencer Cowley, Breya Loving, Nicholas Wright, DeAngelo Patton, and Margjae Hall; and a host of great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who loved him deeply.