Allen Wright

Ernest Allen Wright, Jr. died Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Allen was born on March 16, 1930, in Sweetwater, Texas, to Ernest Allen Wright and Bessie Beall Wright. After several years ranching with his grandfather and uncle in Clayton, NM, his family settled in Abilene, where Allen graduated from Abilene High School in 1948, He attended Tulane University and graduated from SMU with a BS degree in 1952. Allen returned to Abilene after college to go into business with his father at Abilene Linen Supply. His brother Don Wright joined them in the business, which expanded to include Abilene Laundry Company and West Texas Linen Service.

Allen married Betty Sue Horn in 1961 and raised three children; Erin, Kelly and John. The family loved skiing trips with friends and relatives at Crested Butte, CO; dove hunts at the ranch in Coleman County; water skiing at Fort Phantom and Possum Kingdom lakes; and 4th of July celebrations at Lake Sweetwater with the Sweetwater relatives.

After Betty's passing, Allen was blessed to be married in 1983 to Mary Trickey Wright, which made for a combined family of seven children, 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They had 38 wonderful years together, traveling with friends all over the world. Allen loved to snow ski and continued to ski well into his 70's with a group of friends. He golfed with another group until he was 90.

Allen was active in his community, serving as an elder for the First Central Presbyterian Church, Abilene. Over his lifetime, he generously shared his time and business acumen with the Abilene Chamber of Commerce; the Abilene Rotary Club; the Abilene Convention and Tourism Bureau; Teethsavers International; the Community Foundation of Abilene; Southwest Linen Supply Association; and the Linen Supply Association of America. And this was before he retired! After he sold Abilene Linen Supply in 1986 and retired, Allen was active with work on Rafter T Ranch in southern Coleman County; charitable religious and civic work with Habitat for Humanity; the Presbyterian Medical Mission; the Presbyterian Food Bank; Palo Duro Presbytery; Teethsavers International; Bible Study Fellowship; and Palo Duro Presbytery Cursillo.

Allen is survived by: Erin Anne Tassoulas (daughter) and her husband Yannis, grandchildren Angelica Connelly, her husband Jeffrey, Bess Johnson and husband Hudson, Lambros Tassoulas and Stefan Tassoulas; Robert Kelly Wright (son), his wife Cindy, and grandchildren Jacob Wright, his wife Jenna, Jordan Heinz her husband Christopher, and Jillian Wright. John Allen Wright (son) and grandchildren Benjamin Wright and Allie Bess Wright. J. Don Wright (brother) and his wife Beverly; Stepchildren Becky Whitner, her daughter Lauren, Charles Trickey and children Alyssa and Braedyn and their mother Larissa, Cindy Corpening and Stepson in law Craig Sluetz and children, Brittany Miller, her husband Chris, Brandy Barbee, Thomas and wife Kimberley and Matthew Sluetz. His favorite cousin Jane Carothers and husband David. As well as many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by father, Ernest Allen Wright, mother Bessie Beall Wright, first spouse Betty Horn Wright. Mary Trickey Wright, second spouse. Stepdaughter Shirley Sluetz, and step son in law Cleve Whitener. Grandparents Rufus and Lela Wright, and Judge J. H. And Jennie Beall.

Memorial service to be held: First Central Presbyterian Church, Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 am.

Honorary Pallbearers: Don Wright, Don Powers, Bill Hollowell, Bob Hoppe, Richard Moore, Dorman Farmer, Gilbert Korman, Nelson Quinn, S.M. Moore

The family wished to thank Home Instead and their wonderful caregivers, especially Bera Sue Blassingame, for the many devoted years to both Allen and Mary. Her energy and support were essential to their comfort. And the wonderful team at Gentiva Hospice.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: First Central Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity or the Community Foundation of Abilene.

For those dear friends and family that have gone before me, Surely God will give us a little time off from whatever heavenly duties we have .....to "cast a line".