Eugene Wright

On the evening of August 23rd 2022, a strong soldier in the person of Eugene “Gene” L. Wright was called home, for service well done, by our Lord and Savior.

Gene was born November 18, 1942 in Manhattan, New York to the late Ferdinando Del Wright and Mary Jackson Wright.

Gene was a graduate of Morris College in Sumter, SC and received his Master’s Degree from Rutgers University, in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Gene was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and he served in Viet Nam. Gene traveled to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight in June of 2016.

Gene was a Life Member, of AMVETS Post #119, VFW Post #696 and the American Legion Post #9. He was a member of Mount Pisgah Lodge #20 and was a Kentucky Colonel.

Gene came to Owensboro in 1982 as a Human Resource Manager for North American Phillips formerly Westinghouse. He went on to be human resource manager for, T.J. Maxx in Evansville IN, Green River Steel, Owensboro, and Dal-Tile of Lewisport, KY, from where he retired. He substituted for both Owensboro Public Schools and Daviess County Schools, where the students and staff loved him. He would meet former students, working in restaurants, Hospitals, and departments stores, and they all have great memories of the life lessons he taught them.

Gene was an avid fisherman, U of L fan and he loved to travel and sing, especially with the love of his life, Pam his wife.

He was a kind soul never saying a harsh word to anyone. Gene was loved by many and it was proven by the many friends he had.

Gene served on the Mayor’s Committee for persons with disabilities, appointed by former Mayor Waymond Morris, and was serving on the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport Board, at the time of his death.

Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Robert Ann Green Wright.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Pamela L. Smith-Wright, Children, Sons, Steven Cherry (Sandra) Tacoma, WA, Leonard D. Wright (Ta-Keshia) of Richmond, VA, daughter, Starlene L. Smith-Wright, of Louisville, KY. Four grandchildren that he loved dearly, Jessica and Cameron, Tacoma, WA, Kennedy and Kaiden Wright of Richmond, VA, Two Grand dogs, Dakota and Ruxpin. Sister Cheryl Newby of Newark, NJ, two nieces Monique Newby, and Tiffany Newby Cline of Newark, NJ, and two very special cousins Delores Green, Atlanta, GA, and Shelia Lee, Little River, SC.

Special thanks to OHRH Rehab and Transitional Care Teams, Home Dialysis Staff and Dr. Maru and Dr. Haria, and the very special nurses and staff of the Heartford House.

The funeral service for Gene will be at noon Tuesday August 30, 2022 at Fourth Street Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time-of-service Tuesday at the church.

McFarland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Honor Gene’s life with memories and condolences at www.mcfarlandfh.com

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