GEORGE WILLIAM CALVIN WRIGHT

George was born on February 3, 1942, in Eminence, Kentucky, to Emily Mills and R. C. Wright. Following his parents' separation, Emily later moved with George to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she married Charles Wagner, who lovingly helped raise him. Charles became an important part of George's upbringing, providing care and support during his formative years. George attended Harry E. Wood High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he graduated.

George's foundation of faith began early in life. At the age of five years, he joined Good Samaritan Baptist Church alongside his beloved mother. What began as a childhood connection became a lifelong commitment, and for 78 years Good Samaritan Baptist Church remained his church home. He loved his church, he loved serving there, and he took great pride in being part of the Good Samaritan family.

At the age of nine years, George was baptized during a Friday evening service at Westside Baptist Church on California Street under the leadership of Rev. Jay G. Jordan, publicly professing his faith in Jesus Christ.

George proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1961 until 1967. During his military   service, he was stationed in Scotland, where he served with honor and distinction. His years of military service reflected the discipline, honor, and commitment that would remain evident throughout his life.

Following his honorable service in the Navy, George began a long and dedicated career with Allison Transmission, where he faithfully worked for 36 years before retiring in 2008. Whether serving his country, providing for his family, working hard on the job, or serving in ministry, George believed in giving his very best.

On May 3, 1980, George was united in holy matrimony to Jacqueline A. Hatter. Together they shared 33 wonderful years of marriage, building a home rooted in love, faith, commitment, and respect until her passing in 2013.

As the years passed, George wholeheartedly embraced the call God had on his life. He faithfully served as a Deacon for 41 years, dedicating his life to serving God and His people. Under the leadership of the late Pastor Calvin Kelly for 30 years, Deacon Wright became known for his servant's heart, unwavering faith, and genuine love for others.

One of his greatest ministries was visiting the sick and shut-in. He took communion into homes, hospitals, and nursing facilities, making sure those who were unable to attend worship still felt connected to their church family. His ministry was not just something he did; it was an expression of who he was.

Even in his later years, as age naturally slowed his steps, his love for God and his church never wavered. Whenever he felt strong enough, he was exactly where he wanted to be in the Lord's house. He remained a proud deacon and faithfully led Sunday morning devotion whenever he had the opportunity.

Sunday after Sunday, when he led devotion, he would open with his favorite Scripture, Psalm 103:1-2: “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” Following the reading of God's Word, one of his favorite hymns, “Blessed Assurance,” would often be sung. That scripture and that hymn became a beautiful part of his ministry and reflected the faith, gratitude, and assurance that carried him throughout his life.

Affectionately known by many as “Spider,” a nickname from his younger years, George never met a stranger. If you ever met him, chances are you never forgot him. His warm smile could brighten any room, his unforgettable laugh brought joy to everyone around him, and his kind spirit made people instantly feel welcomed. He loved people, and people loved him right back.

George had a true love for life. Shopping was one of his favorite pastimes, and anyone who knew him knew that he enjoyed nice things. He appreciated quality, loved the finer things in life, and was not cheap when it came to treating himself. He loved a sharp suit, a stylish pair of shoes, a perfectly coordinated outfit, and anything that allowed him to step out with class.

His love for fashion was not something that came later in life; it had been part of who he was since his  younger days. George was known for being sharp, confident, charming, and well put together. In his earlier years, he was known as a ladies' man, but even more than that, he was simply a man who knew how to carry himself. He had presence. He had style. He had class.

Looking good was not about vanity for George. It reflected the dignity, pride, and self-respect with which he lived his life. He believed a gentleman should always present himself well. He loved smelling good, dressing well, and making sure every detail was right. Every Thursday, a trip to the barbershop was a cherished ritual. If you were looking for George on a Thursday, chances were you knew exactly where to find him. It was simply part of who he was. His longtime barber, Lee, was the only person he trusted to cut his hair and groom his beard. A fresh haircut, a neatly groomed beard, polished shoes, and one of his signature smiles became part of what everyone knew and loved about him.

George treasured the friendships he built throughout his life, and one of his most cherished was with Freddie McGuire. More than a friend, George became Freddie's big brother, mentor, and spiritual advisor. The bond they shared was truly special, built on faith, loyalty, laughter, countless shopping trips, heartfelt conversations, and      genuine love and respect. Their friendship was a beautiful reflection of George's generous heart and his ability to pour into the lives of those around him. Freddie was not just a friend; he was family.

Above all else, George loved his family. He was blessed with ten children, and each one held a special place in his heart. He loved every one of them dearly, sharing a unique bond and relationship with each. His greatest desire was to see his family united, loving one another, supporting one another, and keeping God at the center of their lives.

Family meant everything to George. His love wasn't something he simply spoke about - it was something he demonstrated every day. One of the most treasured relationships in his life was the bond he shared with his beloved mother, Emily. Their love for one another was deep, unwavering, and evident to everyone who knew them. As she grew older, George lovingly cared for her with patience, dignity, and compassion, faithfully remaining by her side until her final days. He considered it both an honor and a privilege to care for the woman who had poured so much into his life. The same servant's heart that led him to minister to others was first reflected in the way he loved and honored his mother.

George was a proud and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather. To some, he was lovingly known as, “Granddaddy”, while others affectionately called him, “Big D”. No matter what they called him, they all knew one thing: he loved them unconditionally.

His grandchildren knew they could always count on him to show up. Whether it was a school program, graduation, birthday celebration, sporting event, church program, or another special milestone, his presence was one of the greatest gifts he could give. Even at 84 years of age, you could look around the room and almost always find Granddaddy there, smiling with pride and cheering on the people he loved most. He believed that showing up mattered, and his family will forever treasure the countless memories of looking up and seeing him in the room.

Whether he was serving in the church, caring for his beloved mother, protecting and providing for his family, or encouraging those around him with his warm smile and unwavering faith, George lived a life defined by service,  humility, strength, and love. His greatest legacy was never measured by possessions, but by the countless lives he touched and the family he faithfully led by example.

George was welcomed into eternal rest by those who had gone before him: his beloved wife, Jacqueline A. Wright; his loving mother, Emily Mills; his father, R.C. Wright; his beloved daughter, Sheila Wright; and his cherished grandsons, Tyler Wright, Christopher Green, and Colin Kelly.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his loving children: Robin Wright; Tony McGee (Rossalyn); Delissa Brown (Tony); George Wm. C. Wright, Jr.; Jacqueline Jones (Malcom); Nicoteja Wright; Carlos Wright; Alesha Kelly; and Qiana Wright; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his loving brothers, Clarence “Tony” Wagner (Deidra) and James Wright; his beloved companion and dear friend, Yvonne Williams, his devoted church family, a host of three generations of nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever touched by his love, kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith.

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