Obituaries: Melvin Wright, Sabine Parish W-623 Source: Sabine Index, Many, La., Dec 26, 1990 Submitted by: Tammy D. Larche tammy@cp-tel.net ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** Melvin Wright 26 Dec 1990 - Funeral services for retired Many businessman Melvin Wright were conducted at the First Baptist Church of Many on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. Officiating were the Rev. Joe Ratcliff, pastor; and two former pastors, the Rev. W. I. Rose and the Rev. A. O. Youngblood. Burial followed in the Many Cemetery under the direction of the Warren Meadows Funeral Home. At the request of the family, mourners sang Mr. Wrights favorite hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" as the family entered the church behind the casket. The Rev. Youngblood read the poem, "He is Just Away" and the Rev. Rose delivered an uplifting memorial message. Robin Barnhill sang "The Green Leaves of Summer" and "Friends" accompanied by Linda Murray at the piano. Greg Teal sang "The Old Rugged Cross". Mrs. Jennie Anna Ogden played a selection of religious hymns prior to the service. Pallbearers were Raymond Barnhill, Jim Bray, Leslie Lites, Ray Williams, Buster Murray, Malvin Ogden, Frank Hines and Robert Dale Geoghagen. Honorary pallbearers included Bruce Gandy, Douglas Patrick, Danny McCormick, Wayne Chance, Bob Clark, Howard Wright, Wiley Cummings, Pat Wright, Julian Foy, Glen Owers, Hoy Lee, Louis Wolfe and Norman Booker. Mr. Wright died Wednesday, Dec. 19 at Sabine Medical Center in Many following a short illness. He was 75. Born July 14, 1915 in Florien, Mr. Wright has lived most of his life in Sabine Parish. Following graduation from Florien High School in 1933, Mr. Wright went to work for his father in the mercantile business, T. W. Wright's General Store. He worked there until he entered the United States Air Force in July During 1942., his 1942. During his stint in the service, he served in North Africa, Cicily, Sardinia, and Foggie, Italy, as a Payroll Clerk and Intelligence Officer. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant on Oct. 8, 1945. In 1945 Mr. Wright and his brother-in-law, Pat Wright went into the grocery business. Several years later he moved his family to Marshall, Tex., where he opened a grocery business with his brother, Vernice. Opening new business and then moving on to another became a challenge to the young businessman, and in the late 40's he moved back to Many and opened the Mercury car dealership. Several years later he opened an appliance store, which he eventually sold to Bobby Williams. Mr. Wright opened the first washteria in Many and then in the 1950's went into partnership with Mike Pearson in the Chrysler car dealership. Following the success of the dealership, he entered the sawmill business in Negreet, and then a marine dealership in Many and renamed it Wright Industries. He operated the dealership with his wife until 1979, when he sold the business to his daughter and son-in-law. He continued to work at the business for a year before semi-retiring. In semi-retirement he worked as a collector for Lowrey Chevrolet. In 1984 he officially retired to enjoy his four grandchildren and cheer for his grandsons on the Many Tiger football team. Over the past few years he had enjoyed several trips. A member of the First Baptist Church of Many, Mr. Wright was ordained as a deacon in December 1951. He also served as Asst. Superintendent for the Sunday Scholl for a number of years. In the early 1950's Mr. Wright served in the Many Town Council. It was during his term that the town's swimming pool was constructed. He was also a member of the now defunct Civitan Club, and the American Legion for a number of years. On Friday, Dec. 14, he and his wife, Marguerite, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were honored by the congregation and presented a plaque on Sunday, Dec. 16, although Mr. Wright was too ill to attend. Their son-in-law, Robert Ammons, accepted on their behalf. Mr. Wright is survived by his widow, Mrs. Marguerite Wright of Many; one daughter and son-in-law Connie and Robert Ammons of Many; on son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Connie Wright of Houston, Tex.; four grandchildren, Monte Durand Ammons of Houston, Max Wright Ammons of Many, and Catherine Lawes Wright and Ellen Walker Wright, both of Houston, Tex.; his twin brother, Melton Wright of Many; one nephew Vernice Wright of Little Rock, Ark.; and three nieces, Imogene Bowen of Spring, Tex.; Wanda Petty of Lake Charles, and Dorothy Williams of Houston, Tex. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Victor Wright and Vernice Wright. Several hundred attended the services to bid Mr. Wright farewell.