11:00 A.M.

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Antioch Baptist Church

2051 Antioch Church Rd

Greensboro, Georgia 30642

REV. DAVID BLOCKUM, EULOGIST

Obituary

Joe Lewis Wright, was born on March 3, 1947, in Greensboro County, GA to Claudia Mae Wright and Silas Louis Baugh.

As a young child, Joe was bright, reading newspapers from the age of 2 years old. He excelled in school, skipping grades, and graduating from Floyd T. Corry High School at the age of 16. He later joined the United States Navy, where he served as Boatswain and took up boxing. Having served in the Korean War, he was honorably discharged in 1970. A few words used to describe his service in 1966:

“Seaman WRIGHT is always willing to help. He is a fine man. He is highly effective and reliable. Needs only limited supervision. He gets along well with others. Contributes to good morale.”

Joe went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Accounting from Georgia State University and began a 38-year career with the United States Department of Agriculture, retiring in December of 2011.

He enjoyed working with his hands – yard work, home repairs and upgrades, restoring old cars, but especially carpentry. He built checkerboard tables, bookcases, trophy cases, entertainment centers, and other beautiful items, many of which can still be found in the homes of family members. He loved to fish, travel, and take pictures. Intelligent and quick-witted and blessed with the gift of gab, he was also good for a story and tons of laughs. A sharp dresser, Joe was known for his suits, hats, and nice cars.

All of this, however, fails in comparison to his love for, and dedication to, his family. Though he moved to Atlanta in his early adulthood, he never forgot his Greene County roots. Known to hit I-20 on the weekends, he was going to get “home” to see about his family. Passionate about them, he supported and encouraged them, making sure that he honored those who paved the way for him.

In the community, he was known as Coach Wright. Coaching baseball and football for over a decade, he mentored hundreds of young boys. Many of them credit him with providing them with what they needed to succeed in life.

At an early age, Joe was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church and would later serve in several capacities at a few churches in the Atlanta area, the most recent being New Life Baptist Church. As a tithing member, he attended in person, and later, virtually until his health prevented such. He loved the scriptures and could (and would) talk for hours about what he was studying and how he was encouraged.

On August 10, 2021, God confirmed that Joe’s work on Earth was complete. In addition to his parents, four siblings and one nephew preceded Joe in death. He leaves to forever cherish his memories and live out his legacy: his dedicated life-partner and caretaker, Willie Wright; two devoted children, Wenona M. Young (Fred) and Joseph A. Wright; four grandchildren: Kyera J. Wright, Imani E. Young, Frederick D. Young, II, and Joseph P. Wright; sister Gwen Baugh; brother Jamie Wright (Brenda), 3 nieces: Amber Baugh, Stephanie Wright, and Anna Baugh, and a host of additional family and friends.