Dear  family:   I'll always remember Wright and Jo from our Lambuth College days and as a Memphis Conference colleague.  Wright directed our fraternity choir during the annual College All-sing.  I'll forever remember him trying to teach me the tenor notes in "There is a Balm in Gilead."  I thank God for this gifted man who was out-going and enjoyed a hearty laugh.  Peace and comfort in the name of the One whom Wright proclaimed.  Rev. Russell N. Gallimore, Jackson, TN

I first met wright and his delightfully complete family in 1968 when he came on staff at Whitehaven Methodist Church. His job was minister of education but practically speaking to oversee the brand new  youth activities center there. Wright came with excitement and challenge. He regaled us with tales on high adventure having weathered the caldron at Galloway Methodist in Jackson MS. But his genius and excitement for education ministries was wonderous. And the church thrived on his leadership in that area all the while demonstrating his extensive skills for ministry in wider fields as well, at such challenges as new church start in Cordova,  rural extended ministry on Kentucky Lake, and director of Methodist Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary.  No matter where you ran into Wright, you could count on his being on the cutting edge of the Gospel and forward leaning educational ministries.  I am confident he brought those same skills to his new found challenge in wood working. I will always treasure my times working alongside Wright and  our children sharing some lively space together. Fred Morton , Elder Retired Memphis Annual Conference

We first met Wright and Jo at a little restaurant in Calico Rock, Arkansas 16 years ago.  Both couples were in transit to visit crafters in their studios during the first Off the Beaten Path tour.  We introduced ourselves to each other (never having met before) and immediately struck up a jovial conversation about aging mothers, the beauty of the Ozarks and the talented folks who lived there.  Wright said he was a wood turner and hoped to be on the tour the following year....which, of course, he was.  He also shared with us an idea he had for starting a school in Mountain View that would help perpetuate the crafts of our area by training newer artisans and  help current artisans cultivate business skills that would enable them to earn a living through their craft.  The Arkansas Craft School was formed through Wright's vision and leadership in 2008.  Thus, his legacy lives on as does the presence of the many wood turning pieces he made and shared with those around us.

Arkansas Craft School

Peace Tree United Methodist Church

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Clare Pillow Mann (Bill)

Julie Pillow Wilson

Kathryn Pillow Burress

`Paul Thomas Pillow (Holly)

Alex Myers

Morgan Myers

Adam Myers (Danielle)

Ian Watson (Miriam)

Austin Burress (Meg)

Anna Burress

Thomas Pillow (Emilie)

Jessica Pillow

Megan Fisher

Four (4)

He was preceded in death by his loving wife; Jo DePriest Pillow.

Collierville Funeral Home

Thomas Pillow

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Thomas Wright Pillow

January 13, 1936 – July 16, 2018

Collierville Funeral Home

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