Mr. Kenneth Earl Wright, affectionately known as “Kenny,” of Stem, North Carolina, passed away on March 22, 2026 at Duke Medical Pavilion.

Kenny was born in Durham, North Carolina, to the late Connie E. Wright and the late Judy Ray Wright.

Kenny was a devoted father, son, brother, cousin, and friend to all who knew him. His door was always open to family and friends—whether to lend a listening ear or help find a solution to any problem. He will be fondly remembered for his saying, “We don’t have bad days around here,” a reflection of the positivity and strength he carried throughout his life, even during his illness.

He found great joy in spending time with his beloved dog, Brandy, and in being surrounded by those he loved. Kenny played football alongside his brother Todd—known as “the Wright Brothers”—at Southern High School. At the end of his junior year, he married Brenda Bazen and begin a family of his own.

Kenny was a proud and dedicated father who enjoyed coaching ball while his sons, Ken and Timmy, were growing up. He worked as an electrician by trade and served Durham Public Schools for many years. Throughout his life, he also worked alongside his father, Connie, taking on various roles including warranty work on new homes, towing, and disaster recovery—delivering generators to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. In recent years, he devoted himself to caring for his mother; Judy, and continued working in landscaping.

In addition to his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by his son; Timothy Wright, and his brother; Chris Wright.

He is survived by his son, Kenneth Wright, Jr., of the home; his brother, Todd Wright (Renee); his grandchildren, Leigha, Jayden, and Braden Wright; his nephews; Brandon, Dylan, and Walker Wright, and his nieces; Hannah and Hailey Wright, and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Kenny’s kindness, resilience, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 30th at Olive Branch Baptist Church (123 Olive Branch Rd, Durham, NC) at 1:00pm.