William G. (Bill) Wright

William G. (Bill) Wright, 71, of Valdosta, died Saturday, March 22, 2008 at South Georgia Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on October 15, 1936 in Blakely, Georgia to the late Homer Jackson and Margaret Ellen Herring Wright. Mr. Wright retired with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force in 1980. During his career, Mr. Wright was a transportation specialist and during his leadership his unit earned the title of Tactical Air Command's "Best Traffic Management Office" for 1978 and 1979. Mr. Wright's highest military honor was the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam; he was also was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Commendation Medal and numerous other awards. Soon after his retirement from active military status, he returned to duty as a Department of Defense civilian employee. Prior to his civilian retirement in December of 2007, he served as Base Logistics' Manager at Moody. Once again during his tenure at Moody, he secured numerous base, major command, and Air Force level awards to include the 2005 Air Force Special Operations Command's Daedalian Award and the "Best Senior Civilian Manager" of 2005. Bill Wright's total military career spanned over 53 years. His church membership was Isabella Baptist Church in Sylvester, GA.

Mr. Wright loved sports. He served as President of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Official's Association serving Moody Air Force Base. He actively participated in sporting events worldwide during his career in the Air Force as both a player and a coach. But his proudest accomplishment was raising his three beautiful daughters.

Bill Wright is survived by his wife of fifty three years, Peggy Wright of Valdosta; two daughters and sons in law, Teresa Wright & David H. Bailey of Valdosta, and Sheila Wright & Colonel Henry Sanders of Washington, D. C.; four grandchildren, Christina Sanders (Josh) Hartwell of Kansas, Allie Lauren Sanders and Lauren Ashley Bailey, both of Valdosta and Kyle Sanders of Washington, D. C.; two brothers and sisters in law, Jack & Maryann Wright of Sacramento, CA and Doug & Peggy Wright of Leesburg, FL; one sister and brother in law, Marcia & Bob Ward of Acworth and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by one daughter, Tina Wright Holley; a sister Emily Ann Harting and a brother, Walter Hilton Wright.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Al Wilbourn and Reverend Tommy Mason officiating. Interment will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens with full military honors. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p. m. on Monday evening at Carson McLane Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Pearlman Cancer Center, P.O. Box 1727, Valdosta, GA 31603-1727. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the obituary page of www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602