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Obituary For Deacon Charles Alvin Wright
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.
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Ronee Wilson planted 5 trees in memory of Deacon Charles Alvin Wright . - June 06, 2025
Terri McCoy sent Heartfelt Memories for Deacon Charles Alvin Wright - June 06, 2025
Winfrey Clarke sent Love's Journey for Deacon Charles Alvin Wright - June 04, 2025
Bryce Bowden sent Heavenly Heights Bouquet for Deacon Charles Alvin Wright - June 03, 2025
Marsha Myles sent Serene Retreat for Deacon Charles Alvin Wright - June 02, 2025
To God be the glory as we celebrate the life of a Mighty Man of God! Prayers, Strength and comfort during this time for we know to be absent from the body Deacon Wright is present with the Lord ! God's grace to the entire Wright Family we love and we will continue to uplift each one you in prayer 🙏🏾 Ronald Coffie Jr and The Coffie Family of Tampa Florida!
May the works I done speak for me. The family of the late Willie Floyd Troup, Sr. extend our sincere condolences to our dad's first cousin, Deacon Dr. Charles A. Wright's Family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. I am thankful and proud of the life and legacy of Cousin Charles. He is still ministering and leading by example through you all. I have been blessed for being able to be with you in love and spirit via the BethelTally Homegoing livestream services. May God continue to shine on you and keep you amazingly strong as you press on towards the mark of His high calling. Love Cousin Chrisatta Troup
Sending love and prayers- asking God for comfort and peace for the Wright family. Dr. Wright was such an honorable man. We love the entire Wright family and will continue to lift you up in prayers.
Love, The Flakes Family
To the Family of Deacon wright I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of God, Deacon Charles Wright.
During this time of sorrow, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, comfort your hearts and bring you strength in the days ahead.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may you find solace in the legacy of love and faith he leaves behind.
With deepest sympathy,
With Sympathy For The Wright Family
The pain is real. There is no such thing as pleasantness in someone's death. The one we love is gone and the memories and experiences of life together remain. We weep as Jesus wept. We mourn, but the Apostle Paul tells us that we are not to mourn as those who have no hope, for in Christ the hope of eternal life is a reality. We know that what Paul says is true, but there is sorrow in our hearts. We know the promise, but we grieve the loss.
This expression of sympathy comes with love. May God comfort you in His everlasting arms. May His peace fill you. May His promise of eternal life sustain you. Time moves on. Move on in Christ's hope. Because Christ lives, we shall live also.
Dr. Deborah A. Austin
"Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4 - "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:20 - Deacon Frank Wright I stand with you in your lost. Praying for you and your family. Priscilla Brown
To my dear cousin Charles,
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the vital role you played in my journey at FAMU. Your support went far beyond what anyone could expect—from helping me purchase my very first bed to making sure I always had a warm meal on Sundays and holidays.
You gave me a sense of home, stability, and care during a formative time in my life. Your guidance, generosity, and quiet acts of love carried me through both the challenges and the milestones. Thank you for being not just family, but a true blessing in my life.
With heartfelt appreciation, Love, Coretta
"I am so sorry for your loss., "My deepest sympathy., "Thinking of you during this difficult time., "You are in my thoughts and prayers., and "Our hearts are with you..
Sending prayers of comfort to Mrs. Barbara & the Wright family.May the precious memories bring you peace.🙏🏽
If it with much sorrow we share with this family, our long time friends. In the passing of Bro. Charles. Our prayers are with the family.🙏🏾
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
