William N. Wright, Sr., 95
CAMBRIDGE - William N. Wright, Sr. passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jun. 15, 2017, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Cambridge on Aug. 1, 1921, and was a son of the late Daniel H. and G. Ruth Brown Wright.
Mr. Wright graduated from Cambridge High School in 1939. He served as a Staff Sgt. in the United States Army during WWII where he completed tours throughout Central Europe. Mr. Wright was honored with numerous decorations including the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Award, American Theater Ribbon and European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon. On November 14, 1943 he married Frances Virginia Wrightson, who passed away on November 23, 2006. He owned and operated Rose Hill Family Restaurant with his two brothers, George and Bucky. Mr. Wright worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central and Conrail before retiring in November of 1985. Mr. Wright was a stout community leader serving the city of Cambridge as a councilman for eight years, Chairman of Finance and Police Commissioner. Mr. Wright was instrumental in the Public Accommodations Act during the civil unrest of the 1960s. Mr. Wright was a life-long member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served as Chairman and member of numerous committees including the United Methodist Men. Mr. Wright was influential in the beginning of Soup Day and Ham and Oyster Suppers. Bill was a dedicated baseball fan after pitching for the semi-pro Cambridge Merchants. He was a fervent Orioles fan through thick-and-thin, watching every game through the final innings. He also enjoyed fishing, making oyster fritters with his friends and was famously known for his Maryland Biscuits. Bill was a devoted family man, loving his family and his Lord. Mr. Wright received extraordinary care and companionship for the past 12 years from his loving and devoted grandson William III. Mr. Wright was a member of the American Legion Post #91, Cambridge Lodge #66 A.F. & A.M. and Choptank Memorial Post 7460 VFW.
He is survived by six children, Constance W. Harding and husband Waddell of Cambridge, William N. Wright, Jr. and wife Andrea of Cambridge, Anne W. Murphy and husband Robert of Cambridge, Deborah J. Shelley and husband Hunter of Gaithersburg, Susan E. Meredith and husband James of Cambridge and Ruth W. Gorski and husband Anthony of Centreville; 14 grandchildren, Gregory C. Harding and wife Michelle, Jennifer H. Burton and husband Brian, William N. Wright, III, Jacquelyn B. Wright and fiancée Wesley Harper, Robert J. Murphy, Jr., and fiancée Angela Fisher and family (Kenneth Jr., Jasmine, Eian and Heaven and grandson Axel), JoAnna F. Murphy, David C. Furr, Haley N. Shelley, J. Wesley Meredith, II and wife Brooke, T. Matthew Meredith and wife Meghan, Kacey E. Knox and husband Karl, Stephanie R. Gorski, Chase A. Gorski, Anne G. Gorski; 15 great-grandchildren, Jessica R. Harding, Rachel E. Harding, Christopher C. Harding, Garrett W. Harding, Kate E. Burton, William ""Will"" C. Burton, C. Dominick Wright, Madelyn R. Harper, Lucas W. Harper, K. Mikah Meredith, Mckenna C. Meredith, Pritchett W. Meredith, T. Merritt Meredith, Annabelle J. Meredith, Cora V. Meredith; three great-great-grandchildren, Makayla R. Grubbs, Rayna C. Grubbs, Roman C. Harding; and several nieces, nephews and cousins and lifelong friend, Robert Cannon. Besides his parents and his wife, Mr. Wright was preceded in death by three sisters, Katherine W. Leap, Mattie Brown Brotemarkle and Mabel V. Wright; three brothers, Daniel H. Wright, Jr., George W. Wright, Sr. and Walter B. Wright.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons and great grandson. Honorary pallbearers will be his son and great grandsons.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jun. 21, 2017, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cambridge with Rev. Bonnie Shively and Rev. A. Delmer Willey, Jr. officiating. A visitation was held for all friends and family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge. Burial will follow at Dorchester Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 205 Maryland Ave. Cambridge, MD 21613 or to Coastal Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733.