Charles R. Wright

Charles Robert Wright, known to family as Bobby and friends as Charlie, 87, of Dayton, Ohio, finished his earthly race and went to be with the Lord on February 1, 2024 at BrookHaven Retirement Community, Brookville, Ohio.

A native of Campbell County Tennessee, he was born on May 8, 1936 to the late John & Pearl (Shelby) Wright. In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; brothers: Norman, Denny, James, Bill, and Woody; sisters: Ann Wright, Dorothy Marlow, June Wright, Alta Sledge, Ruby Rollins, Lorene Irwin, Naomi Young, and Johnnie Hoskins; son-in-law, Tom Schaefer; and grandson, Michael Wallace.

He is survived by his children: Subrena Schaefer, Jeannie Wright, Kathy Maddex (Brad), Chuck Wright, and Teresa Davidson (Paul); grandchildren: Sarah Shepherd (Denny), Emily Hughes (Brandon), John Schaefer and Rob Edwards; great-grandchildren: Beau, Lily, Carson & Duke Shepherd, Maxwell, Scarlett & Eliza Hughes; his sisters: Ruth Zenner and Grace Overton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He graduated with the class of 1954 from Campbell County High School in La Follett, Tennessee. He married the love of his life, Lois Marie Rogers on August 16, 1956, in Jellico, Tennessee.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and the Cold War. He was stationed in Alaska and was a company cook and then a tank driver. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He attained the rank of Sergeant (SP-5) and was honorably discharged on February 28, 1962.

He worked as a window dresser and model at Rike's Department Store in downtown Dayton. He then worked for Maxon Construction Company building highway bridges between Tennessee and Ohio. From 1966 to 1976, he worked for Dayton Tire and Rubber Company in Dayton as a tire builder. He became a master electrician and in 1971 took ownership of Central Electric Company in Dayton, which he continued until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International.

Brother Wright was a faithful church member. Throughout his life, he served the church in any capacity needed with a willing heart. He was a bus driver and on the grounds and maintenance committee. He was a consummate fundraiser. He was a choir member and an accomplished soloist. He was a board member and trustee at Philadelphia Drive Church of God in Dayton. He donated many hours of electrical and other services to his and other churches. Charles also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.

He loved God, his family and fishing. He was a lifelong, avid fisherman. He enjoyed singing, music, coin collecting, gardening, hunting, and good food. He truly loved people and never met a stranger. In later years, he often lamented that he could no longer do much to help others, as he loved to do, but became a dedicated prayer warrior instead.

He will be remembered as a truly generous, joyful and loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We are grateful he was ours.

Charles will be laid to rest with his wife, Lois, at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, Dayton.

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