Ray L. Wright

Ray was born April 24, 1936 in Ward, Arkansas, the son of Etta M. Wright. He married Bonnie Gail Watts on April 7, 1979 in Springfield.

Ray was a graduate of Beaumont High School in St. Louis, MO. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO where he was in the Lambda Chi Fraternity and played football. Ray was the former owner of Ray L. Wright Construction Equipment Sales and retired from ownership of Builders Sand & Gravel.

Ray will be remembered as a very generous man with a heart of gold. He was President of the Board for Contact Ministries and helped with the Friend-in-Deed campaign. He was active at Calvary Temple Christian Center. He was a member of the Tuesday Lunch Club at Joe Roger’s Chili Parlor. Ray was also a member of the American Businessmen’s Club and the Associated General Contractors of Illinois. Ray enjoyed playing cards, his annual fishing trip to Canada, hunting waterfowl with his friends, bike riding, and playing racquetball. He played golf annually at the State Farm Classic and was a regular player at Longbridge Golf Course. He loved flying his plane and taking angel flights and also enjoyed traveling, especially to Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Etta M. Wright.

He is survived by his wife: Bonnie of Springfield; one son: Steven Wright of Springfield; one daughter: Jeri Lynne Wright of Springfield; two grandchildren: Alyssa and Tawna Wright; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family will receive friends from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 23, 2007 at Calvary Temple Christian Center, 1730 W. Jefferson, Springfield. Funeral Ceremonies will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 24, 2007 at Calvary Temple Christian Center with Rev. Mark Scott and Rev. Paul Rose officiating.

Private family burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Contact Ministries, 1100 E. Adams St., Springfield, IL 62703, or to: Calvary Temple Christian Center, 1730 W. Jefferson St., Springfield, IL 62702.

The family of Ray L. Wright is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.