Homer Edward Wright, Jr.

Homer Edward Wright Jr., passed away peacefully on July 22, 2024, at the age of 99. 

Homer was born on September 20, 1924, in Spray, N.C. (now Eden), to Alice Louise Hopper Wright and Homer Edward Wright. From his early years of selling blackberries and delivering papers, Homer learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He demonstrated a keen entrepreneurial spirit inherited from his parents and grandmother, who started and owned women’s clothing businesses. 

After graduating from Leaksville High School, Homer attended Mars Hill College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. His studies were interrupted by World War II, during which he served with the Army's 85th Infantry Division in Italy.

After his service, Homer furthered his education at UNC-Chapel Hill, focusing on business courses which laid the foundation for his career in real estate development and community building. He started out by opening men’s clothing stores and later transitioned to building affordable homes for residents of Eden, a venture that evolved into his passion for residential and commercial development.

Notable among his achievements was the creation of St James, an acclaimed coastal community and incorporated town. Homer claimed that one of the keys to success was knowing the land, which meant exploring every inch of it. This practice often put him in risky situations and almost always ensured he’d have a few tree branches hanging from his fender. He also never passed a piece of litter without picking it up, even if that entailed an abrupt U-turn. St James is a testament to this kind of work ethic and it is where he spent his final days.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Homer was deeply committed to his community. He served in innumerable civic roles, including the NC House of Representatives and diverse boards and committees enhancing local education, healthcare, and economic development. Homer played a pivotal role in the consolidation of Leaksville, Spray, and Draper into the city of Eden. Although he was honored with countless awards, including NC’s prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine and Eden’s Citizen of the Year, he personally shied away from notoriety. If an event was planned to honor him, chances were that someone would be assigned to accept the award in his place.

Homer was a quiet philanthropist. His generosity included supporting the Salvation Army, local hospitals, and educational initiatives. He especially valued mentoring others and felt he gained as much as he gave. He also took pleasure in sharing books and audio tapes he believed would benefit his colleagues, friends and family. Homer would wish for his legacy to be that he enriched the lives of others.

Homer Wright is survived by his children: Beth Wright, Edward Wright (Phyllis), Martha Hopkins (Dwight), Margaret Wills (Warren); daughter-in-law, Molly Wright; his cherished companion, Carolyn Powell; and his brother, Jimmy Wright (Marilyn). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Sarah Yates, Al Wright, Claire Uprety, Margaret Wright, Elizabeth Wright, David Hopkins, Franklin Hopkins, Isaac Hopkins, Beth Pearson, Brook Wills, Robert Wills, and 8 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy Casteen Wright; his children, Linda Wright and Kenan Wright; and his sister, Martha Mangum

A Celebration of Life will be held September 20, 2024 at 11:00am in the St. James Community Center, St. James NC.  This date would have been Homer's 100th Birthday.

In lieu of flowers, Homer would be honored by giving donations to any community-based organization such as Rockingham County Salvation Army and the St. James Service Club