Thomas "Jack" Jackson Wright, Sr.

On Monday, May 24, 2021, Thomas Jackson Wright, Sr. more familiarly known as Jack or Jackie, ended his struggle with Parkinson’s disease.  He died in the same room he was born in 83 years ago.

Dad was born on February 6, 1938 in Spray, NC to Annie Myrtle Wilkerson Wright and Charlie Ray Wright.  He graduated from Tri-City High School in 1956.  Dad was the first class to graduate with Principal Wendell Newlin at the helm and Lisa was the last class to graduate with Mr. Newlin.  After graduation, he attended vocational school for two years and studied to be a machinist.  We treasure the items Dad created. 

During that time, he married the love of his life, Joan Overby, and they began a family.  Rather than taking a job in his field at Westinghouse, Dad began his 32 year career with Roadway Express as a truck driver.  When he was 28 years old, his local route permitted him to work with Woody McBride in his concession business.  Soon afterward, Dad and Boss Mabe purchased a mobile hot dog stand and his hobby/career was born.  Over the years, Dad built and bought a variety of food trucks which eventually became known as Jack’s Concessions.  He enjoyed sharing his hobby with his family and friends and often “drafted” them into service at fairs, festivals, carnivals, and other events.  He provided employment to many people throughout the years.

Dad had a big heart and did not hesitate to give a hand to someone in need.  His deeds of kindness are many and varied.  When his mother’s Alzheimer’s made her immobile, he would get her in her wheelchair in the mornings and in her bed at night, all the while caring for Mom when her cancer left her in the same state.  Dad and his second wife, Betty, moved in and cared for his dad as he progressed in age.  When Betty’s health declined, he was a devoted helpmate and supporter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle & Ray Wright; wife Joan and second wife, Betty; brother, C. Raymond Wright; and beloved pet, Spanky.

Left to cherish our memories is Tanya Jones (Eddie) of Madison, Lisa Hines of Eden, and Tom Wright of Durham.  He also leaves behind grandchildren Morgan Moore (Bryan), Whitney Reardon (Craig), Katie Hines (Gerion), Matthew Hines (Paige), and Emily Bussell (Patrick); great-grandchildren Haylee, Wyatt, Reagan, Paisley, Rylee, Elise, and Cora.   He is also survived by sisters-in-laws Janice Pentz, Doris Overby, and Joanne Wright; brothers-in-law Ed Pentz and Charles Overby; lifelong friend Charles (Spud) Baker; special caregivers and “adopted daughters” Carolyn Paschall and Lori Bowman and special pets Carson and TJ.

We would like to acknowledge and thank Dad’s Hospice team: Carol V., Carol P., Kathy, and  Sayward.  Your help and support made it possible for Dad’s wish to stay at home possible.  Carolyn and Lori, you are angels on Earth! We will never be able to express our love and gratitude for all that you’ve done.  Spud, your love and friendship has carried Dad for many years and we agree that you are a member of our family.  Thank you to Dr. Shah, Taylor Woodson and the staff at Eden Internal Medicine and Dr. Tat and the staff at LeBauer Neurological for their expertise in meeting Dad’s medical needs.

Dad will lie in repose at Fair Funeral Home from noon until 6 pm on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.  The family will receive visitors at the home, 1057 Virginia Street in Eden, during that time.  A graveside service will be held at Overlook Cemetery, Eden, NC at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 27, 2021. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Rockingham County, 2150 Highway 65, P.O. Box 281, Wentworth, NC  27375 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY  10163-4777.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com