Breckenridge Texan

Clarence Wright, Sr., 88, of Breckenridge, passed away in Abilene on Friday, September 9, 2022. His memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022, in the Melton-Kitchens Chapel of Memories. His cremation has been entrusted to Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.

Clarence DeWayne Wright was born in Olney, Texas, on September 7, 1934, to parents Clarence Olen Wright and Salley (Nugent) Wright. On September 9, 1957 – precisely 65 years prior to the day of his passing – he joined the US Army. He served in the military until his discharge in September 1959. In 1960, he married his wife, Elizabeth. Together, they were married for over 60 years, until the time of her passing in September 2014.

If you asked anyone to describe Clarence, or “Red” as he was known to everyone, more than likely, you’d hear the words pleasant, happy, and helpful. When Breck Lumber was still in operation, if you walked into the store and were met by a man with a big smile on his face, you’d be face-to-face with Red! His smile was a welcome sight to all who shopped there.

He was a man that never gave up — he was definitely a fighter. During his time in the Army, he ended up breaking his ankle. Unfortunately, it didn’t heal up correctly, and in his later years, it would give him lots of trouble… but he never let that stop him. And the people that knew him well could probably tell you stories about his love of his pepper plants. These were a staple in his garden, and these specific plants were something he was very, very proud of. To him, the peppers were like candy, and he would try to convince everyone else that they weren’t hot at all… even though he ALWAYS had a sly little grin when he said this.

Besides his love for cooking – specifically beans – he also loved aggravating his kids and grandkids. He always came up with fun nicknames for them: Ammo, String Bean, and Billy Bob, just to name a few. He loved his family and looked forward to any time he could get out in the community and visit with his friends. He will always be remembered as the man with a big smile on his face who always had lots of things to say!

Mr. Wright was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; parents, Clarence and Sally; sister, Betty Baker; and brothers, Darvin Wright and Glen Wright. He is survived by his daughters, Jenny Mahew and husband Dean of Temple, Stacy David and husband Tony of Graham, and Tonya Taylor and husband Todd of Wyoming; sons, Clarence Wright Jr. of Abilene, Will Wright and wife Melissa of Wichita Falls, and Wesley Wright and wife Pamela of Breckenridge; along with 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations in Mr. Wright’s name can be made to Meals on Wheels in Breckenridge and can be left at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home. Condolences can be made online at meltonkitchens.com.