BTW Funeral Home | Quitman, GA

Obituary For Willie Gerald Wright

Willie Gerald “Jake” Wright transitioned from rest to reward on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Emory University Hospital. He was born on Tuesday, May 24, 1949 in Dixie, Georgia (Brooks County) to the late Weadom and Pearlie Manning Wright.

He was the ninth of their twelve children.

He is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Weadom Wright, Jr.,Jimmie Gipson, Pearline Merrick and Pedro Wright.

Willie Gerald Wright loved the Lord and was a member of St. Philip AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia. As a youth he joined Beulah Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Quitman, Georgia. He loved singing in the Beulah Hill Baptist and Friendship AME church choirs. He had fond memories of his beloved Aunt Helen Fields carrying him to various churches to sing solos.

He graduated from Washington Street High School in 1967 and entered Albany State College, Albany, Georgia where he graduated June 4, 1972. He credited several people with helping him during his years at ASU. This led to his commitment to give back to struggling students. As a result of his substantial financial contributions, he was inducted into the ASU Athletics Hall of Fame (Supporter) and the Alumni Hall of Fame. He served on the ASU Foundation Board for eight years and was President for four years. Following college graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy (Air Navy) where he developed a fascination with airplanes and their operation.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, Willie Gerald secured employment with Aetna Insurance Company in Springfield, IL, later transferring to Tampa, FL. He subsequently was employed by Concepts, Inc., in promotional sales and was one of the company’s top salesmen. There he met Willie “Bill” Latzko and later partnered with him to form Star Athletics, Inc. Star Athletics which offered promotional sports and souvenir items, operated successfully for over 25 years. Willie Gerald was also co-owner of Blankumsee Thomas & Wright Funeral Services (BTW) in Quitman, GA. BTW has been serving the Brooks County community and surrounding counties for almost 10 years.

He was a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and one of 15 charter members of the Decatur Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.

His many hobbies included fishing, hunting, golfing, mentoring and counseling young people, barbecuing on the grill, watching football, tailgating (especially for his ASU Golden Rams) and spending quality time with family and friends. He especially loved spending time on his farm in Dixie, GA.

In 1988, Willie Gerald married the love of his life, Gladys Forte Wright. Gerald was devoted to his beloved daughter, Kristalyn Nicole “Nikki” Wright. In addition to his wife and daughter, he leaves to honor his legacy: Amanda “Mandi” Merchant, Goddaughter; along with three brothers: George Wright (Joyce) of Miami, James Wilbur Wright (Jackie) of Decatur, Georgia, and Dannie Wright of Atlanta; four sisters: Lottie Mae Cody (El Paso, TX), Lucy M. Heath (Port Orange, FL), Aristine Wright Grant (Baltimore, MD) and Patricia Jenkins (Anthony, in Monticello, FL); and a host of adoring nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Atlanta-Funeral Services for Mr. Willie Gerald “Jake” Wright will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, 534 Fairburn Road, NW, Atlanta, GA. Family Visitation: Friday, February 14, 2020: 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA

Dixie-Funeral Services for Mr. Willie Gerald “Jake” Wright will be held Sunday, February 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Beulah Hill Baptist Church, 1593 Hodges Road, Dixie, GA.

Burial: Beulah Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Dixie, Georgia.

Professional Services entrusted to Blankumsee, Thomas & Wright Funeral Services of Quitman, Georgia.

Guest Book

To the bum who wrote that crazy message about my uncle Go str8 to you know where!!!!! Maybe you didn't work for the money! I hope God pays you in 10 fold for the nasty message during our time of bereavement!!! Drop yo info too so that I can pay you...

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This bum never never paid me my paycheck from Star Athletics... May God collect what is owed!

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I'm just hearing of Gerald's passing - Gladys, Nikki I send you both my eternal condolences and just to let you know Gerald was a very instrumental part of my life and I respected him immensely. God and R.I.H.

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Many prayers sent to the family during this difficult time. May fond memories of good times shared with your loved one help you endure the pain. ASC associate Carolyn McDonald-Nelson

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MY Dear Brother,we met at Albany State Univ back in 1967 Sept we started on a journey & became friends. The one thing we had a desire to become a member of KAPPA ALPHA PSI. We started on that mutual journey along with James Frazier Jimmy Blaylock, Thomas Lee, Thomas Render & Luther Hamilton. During this time became Brothers as one unit, willingly to cover each other regardless. We would not allow anything to keep us from crossing the Burning Sands. We love you, we will will miss you,but God needed a good soldier. We all will meet around the Kingdom Diamond & humanize again. May the Lord have mercy on your soul, rest in peace. Hey Brother we are lifting your family up in prayer.

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My Dear Brother, we met 1967 Sept. Albany State Univ. & we became friends & line, Fraternal Brothers pledging in 1969. We strived & It became reality we pledged Kappa Alpha Psi beoming even closer. James Frazier,Jimmy Blaylock.Thomas Lee,Thomas Render, Jake Wright & Luther Hamilton. It was one of the most exciting tmes of our young lives to cross the Burning Sands covering each others back at whatever cost. Thanking Almighty for us sharing that gratification and the 50 year run. We have been blesses & God needed a good soldier so he made a call, which we all will endeavor. We love you, we will miss you, May God bless your soul rest in peace. We shall meet again around that Diamond sing & humanize with all our brothers.

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So sorry for your loss Nikki.

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Our deepest condolences to the family from The Donaldson,Walls,and Scruggs Family.

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So sorry Nikki I can't be with you. Please know you are in heart,thoughts and my prayers. Love you much!

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Sending all my love, Auntie Gladys --- Melody

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Willie, we did it together! Your brother with a different mother. Willie B.

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Extending my deepest and heartfelt sympathies for your loss. After working in God’s Earthly Garden Brother Wright is now enjoying working in God’s Heavenly Garden. Nancy Benjamin, Monticello, Florida

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Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. James and JoAnn Lunsford Milledgeville, GA

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Family,our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Prince and Esther Brown

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- BTW Funeral Services