Greensboro- Mr. Richard “Wayne” Wrightson, 63, passed away at his residence October 19, 2013 after a courageous battle with ALS. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM on Tuesday, October 22, at Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel. A graveside service will be at Salisbury National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 23, at 12 PM with his son, Pastor Jon Wrightson officiating.
Wayne was a Greensboro native, the son of Albert and Kathryn Shepherd Wrightson. He retired as a decorated Master Sergeant, USMC. He served in combat during the Viet Nam War where he received the Purple Heart and during his career was awarded numerous awards and commendations, including the Navy and Army Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation with 2 stars. Wayne was stationed in Hawaii, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, where he served as a disability counselor, Camp Lejeune and Okinawa. He loved his country and was a Marine through and through. Even to the end, he fought, accepted his fight with courage and said “It is what it is.” The Marine Corp spirit of fearlessness in the face of adversity never left him.
After retirement he worked for the Greensboro Generals and the Greensboro Prowlers and most recently has been a valued employee in the human resources department at Home Depot. He loved sports, especially hockey and instilled the same in his granddaughter, Brandi by taking her to the games with him. He loved all types of music and when he was relaxing, most likely could be found watching his favorite show, NCIS. He was a straight forward man, a staunch Republican, and a hard worker who taught his family the importance of keeping your word, saying what you mean and meaning what you say. He will be remembered for his upbeat spirit and love for his family and his country. He was a loving husband, father and peepaw.
Surviving Wayne are his wife of forty two years, whom he fell in love with at the coast, Selma Ramsey Wrightson; his children and their spouses, Douglas (Robin) Wrightson of Hubert, Todd (Andrea) Wrightson of Trinity, Rachel (Craig) Phillips of Greensboro, John (Misty) Wrightson of Jacksonville and Kathy (Kelly) Summey of Greensboro; grandchildren, Brandi, Elijah, Jeremiah, Ben, Andrew, Jackson, Ava, Kayla, Susanna, Jonathan, Daniel, Marina, and Matthew; sister, Nancy (Terry) Pitts of Greensboro and his canine companions, Lucy, Ethel, Piper, Shelby and Malynn.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association, Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter 4 N. Blount St., 2nd Floor, Raleigh, NC 27601 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405. On line condolences may be made to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18