It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Deacon Charles Alvin Wright.

Charles Alvin Wright, PhD, a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, and steadfast man of God, went home to be with the Lord on May 26, 2025 – on his birthday – at the age of 82. He will forever be remembered as a stellar educator, professional engineer, and powerful mentor, pouring into the lives of countless students, peers, and families.

Born in Laurens County, Georgia, Charles was raised on his beloved family farm in rural Glenwood, Georgia. He moved to Tallahassee in November 1966, shortly after graduating from Savannah State (College) University.

Charles was introduced to the love of his life, Barbara Jean Elston, by his older brother, Eddie, in September 1964, in the student gathering area called the “Triangle” at Savannah State University. Charles saw Barbara earlier at church, where she was elegantly dressed wearing white gloves – Charles was purely smitten by her gloves. Soon they connected at a dance on campus, and he told her “…you have some pretty hair!” They started dating on October 24, 1964, and later enjoyed their first date at the movies at the State Theater. They were married on June 10, 1967, in Columbia, Tennessee at St. Paul AME Church.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Savannah State in 1966. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1972 and a Master’s Degree in Civil and Public Works Engineering from the University of Florida a year later. He also earned his Doctorate degree in Civil Engineering Transportation from Vanderbilt University in 1991.

Charles was always a forward-thinking, renaissance man. The Wright family moved to Kenya in 1979 as Charles took on a position as Senior Lecturer at Egerton Agricultural College (SECID/GOK Project) in Njoro, Kenya, East Africa where he taught civil engineering courses in the Agricultural Engineering Department.

Dr. Wright authored and co-authored more than 50 journal articles, books, reports, and materials in the areas of civil engineering, technology, safety, and assessment. Much of his professional career was spent at Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he served in several esteemed roles and was later named Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

While working at FAMU, Dr. Wright served as a Professor, Researcher, Divisional Director, and Chair of the Department of Architectural Construction and Engineering Technology.

In 2011, he was named the inaugural Executive Director for the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center (JECUTC) at South Carolina State University. He oversaw daily operations of the transportation center and ensured its advancement as a pivotal partner for the state and country’s transportation needs.

Charles was passionate about community service and brotherhood as they were important pillars in his life. He was a Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a founding member of the Tallahassee Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. He also believed wholeheartedly in supporting FAMU as a Lifetime Booster for the University and hosts the Dr. Charles A. Wright Scholarship for students who are eager to pursue degrees in Engineering Technology.

Dr. Wright deeply loved his family and lived by the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” He shepherded a multitude of young men to adulthood though mentorship with 100 Black Men of America, as a Jack and Jill “dad,” and as an advisor to young college students in the engineering profession. He freely shared his deep well of vast knowledge and life experiences, knowing this would please the Almighty Father in Heaven.

Charles was an avid gardener and farmer, and his yard was his pride and joy. He enjoyed sharing his beautiful flowers and plants with family and friends.

He was a devoted servant for the Lord and a faithful member of the historic Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where he ministered in several capacities. Charles spent time as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and served on several church Ministries including Men’s Ministry, Usher Ministry, Married Couples Ministry. He also provided civil engineering and construction expertise on several capital projects at the church.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Junice C. Wright, Sr. and Essie Williams Wright; his brothers, Junice C. Wright, Jr., Eddie G. Wright, and Dr. Cordie J. Wright; and, his brother-in-love, Hurley C. Young.

Charles is survived by Barbara Jean Elston Wright, his beloved wife for 57 blessed years of Tallahassee, FL; his children, Sean E. Wright (Debbie) of Lakeville, MN; Chira N. Wright-Holloman (Charles II) of Riverview, FL; and, Cheri D. Wright-Jones (Samuel, Jr.) of Valrico, FL. His brothers, Willie Frank Wright (Cynthia) of Aiken, SC and Dr. Garry C. Wright (Gloria) of Notasulga, AL; his sisters, Barbara W. Humphrey of Ft. Valley, GA; Patricia W. Wormley (James) of Oakland, CA; and, Terri W. McCoy of LaGrange, GA. His sisters-in-love, Dr. Frankie Lambert Wright of Sparta, GA; Lealice Wright of Ailey, GA; and, Susie Elston Young of Columbia, TN. His godbrother, William McKinley Joyce of Columbia, TN; his grandchildren, Ciara G. Holloman, Christian A. Jones, Cole M. Holloman, Theodore D. Wright, and Lauren O. Wright; beloved Chosen Daughter of the heart, Robin Byrd of Tallahassee, FL; and, a host of beloved godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, friends, colleagues, and students.

On behalf of the staff and management of Strong & Jones Funeral Home, Inc., we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Deacon Charles Alvin Wright.

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Bethel M.B. Church with burial at Culley's Meadowwood Memorial Park Viewing/visitation will be Friday, June 6, 2025 at Strong & Jones Chapel from 12 Noon - 5 PM followed by a wake service at 5 PM and ending with the Omega Service at 6:30 pm.