of Conway, AR
January 18, 1926 - October 11, 2016
Charles Curtis Wright age 90, of Conway, Arkansas died Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at his home in Conway, after a brief illness. Mr. Wright was born on January 18, 1926 in Texarkana, Arkansas.
Charles grew up in Conway and graduated from Conway High School in 1944. Shortly after he graduated, he was recruited into the Marine Corps. He enjoyed recalling that he mentioned at the recruiting station his wish to join the Navy. His remark was overheard by a Marine Recruiter who told him he had just volunteered for the Marine Corps.
Charles was a veteran of World War II, where he earned several service metals, including the Purple Heart which he earned in the battle of Iwo Jima. He was severely wounded by two bullets 71 years ago at age 19 in that battle two days before the island was secured while serving with the 5th Marine Division, 28th Regiment. Given up for dead with a bullet still lodged in his brain, he was eventually found and then spent a long recuperation in military hospitals in California and Memphis before returning to Conway. He attended Arkansas Teachers College for six years before marrying Esther Gill in 1951.
They spent the next 65 years loving and taking care of each other, traveling, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles until his sight failed him. They also loved playing games like dominoes, skip-bo, and pollyanna until the wee hours of the night. He always said that he had a good life and enjoyed it even though he couldn't do a lot of things.
Mr. Wright is survived by his loving wife, Esther, daughters, Karen Marie Ward (Joel) and Donna Gail Wright, granddaughter, Josie Marie Insurriaga (Danny), great-grandson, Jude Insurriaga, sister, Betty Ruth Clevidence, sisters- in-law, Delphene Gill Turner (Danny), Joanne Gill Bomer (Jimmy), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Marie Hall Wright and father, Benjamin Franklin Wright.
When you asked him how he was doing, he would always say ''Pretty good for a teenager! He was 'pretty good' up until the end and was a tough Marine!
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Marine Corps League #30 Windwood Loop - Conway, AR 72034 / Email: epssys@aol.com
Visitation with a Fallen Hero Ceremony will begin at 9:30am -10:30am Friday, October 14, 2016 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home Conway, Arkansas. Graveside Service and Burial will follow at 11:00am at Oak Grove Cemetery Conway, Arkansas with Kevin McGee officiating.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway
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11 Condolence(s)
Dale & Sheryl Collins
Monday, October 17, 2016
Thank You for your service to and for our country.
Sincerely,
Dale Collins
Sondra Hall Smith
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Ester, girls and families,
Just read Danny's post about the passing of Charles. Oh, such memories we have of all of you through the years. My Dad, Royce Hall, loved his nephew Charles dearly. Yes, all of you took care of each other. David and I send our deepest sympathy.
Chuck Bomer
Thursday, October 13, 2016
"Grief is the price we pay for love."
Queen Elizabeth II
Jessica Smith
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Thank you, kind sir, for a service to our country that'll never be repaid. I never knew you but am sure that my life and the life of my children wouldn't be what it is today without men such as yourself. To the family and ones who loved Mr. Wright dearly, my most sincere condolences. You're all in my prayers.
Nancy White Reves
Thursday, October 13, 2016
i am so sorry to hear about Charles and have some fond memories when we lived around the corner from your family. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy White Reves
Bob Barham
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Charlie was a great man! He will be sorely missed. Thank you for your service to this country sir. Semper Fi !!!
Wayne Helms II
Thursday, October 13, 2016
America has lost another member of its “Greatest Generation”, A hero who so valiantly defended freedom has slipped from this life. We owe our World War II veterans a huge thank you for their selfless service during a time of great conflict. When their country called, they answered and asked nothing in return. May God grant the family and friends of CHARLES CURTIS WRIGHT an extra measure of comfort in the days ahead, and may they forever cherish their precious memories of this Great American Patriot.I SALUTE YOU SIR
“Let us not mourn that such men died, but rejoice that such men lived”
~George S. Patton~
Jeff, Lisa, Laila, Olivia & Cordelia Johnston
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Dear Esther, Donna and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Charles' passing. We will miss visiting and listening to his stories and continue to think fondly of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family. Let us know if you need anything.
Stanley & Susan Woodard
Thursday, October 13, 2016
This very special man was our hero, neighbor, mentor and wonderful friend. We always enjoyed visiting with him at our gathering place, Julie's Sweet Shop, where all heroes are honored. We loved hearing his stories and will forever be grateful for his sacrifice. The world would be a much better place today if it were filled with great men like Charlie Wright. We love and appreciate him, his family and the love of his life, Ms. Esther. Charlie's memory will be treasured and he will be missed, but his story will live on and continue to inspire many. We will keep you in our prayers and may God bless your family.
Cindy Erickson
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
So sorry to hear this! My prayers are with all my family. Please give Aunt Esther a hug from me.
Donnie Hay
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Dear Mrs. Wright, Donna and family, I was very saddened to hear of Charlie's passing I concerdre him a brother Marine he always make me laugh, he leaves a hole in my heart being gone, but now he stands beside Jesus in heaven where he can watch over all again I am so sorry for your loss I loved that man ( my brother Marine)
Semper Fi
Donnie Hay