William Claude Wright

W. C. (Claude) Wright passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at age 99. He will be laid to rest at Elmwood Memorial Park next to his beloved wife of 49 years, Zella, and their two sons, Marvin and Travis, who preceded him in death. Claude leaves behind his son Allen Wright and daughter-in-law Gethine, and two much loved grandchildren, William and Kristine Wright of Eula; daughter Wanda Mills, her children Toby, Amber and Alexis of Carthage Missouri; and foster daughter Alice Stevens, her husband Jack, and their children Bryan, Jeffrey and Kelly of Millington Tennessee. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. His brother Carroll Wright and sisters Ruth Dobbs and Helen Clements also preceded him in death. Claude lived a long and good life of devotion to his family and selfless service to others and his church. He was born at Wright's Mountain in Smith County, Texas in 1909, and moved to Live Oak County in 1918. Claude graduated from Tyler Business College in 1929. In 1934 he married Zella Butler, and together they moved to Abilene in 1937, Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1959, and returned to the Abilene area in 1972. He also lived two years in Midland, Texas. After his beloved wife, Zella's, death in 1983, he married Eddie Lou Cowley, who also preceded him in death. At the time of his death he was a member of Potosi Baptist Church. Prior to his membership there he was a longtime member of Southside Baptist Church in Abilene, Sandia Baptist Church in Albuquerque, and First Baptist Church in Midland. Claude and Zella served in many capacities in every church in which they were members. Claude worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company for 36 years as it evolved into Enco and later Exxon, retiring to his farm in Eula in 1972. He was a 51-year member in the Kiwanis Club, and had almost 50 years of perfect attendance until his health no longer allowed him to attend. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge. Claude loved gardening, beekeeping, cooking and his family, especially his grandchildren. He related stories of his family history even in his last days. He was devoted, quiet, kind and generous to everyone around him and lived the example of a Christian life. He will be greatly missed by his family and by all those who knew him, loved him and whose lives he influenced. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 8th, at Potosi Baptist Church with Rev. Donny Harbers officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, Texas. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Potosi Baptist Church, 2826 Potosi Rd., Abilene, TX 79602, or Big Country Baptist Association.