Wilburn Wright

Wilburn Eugene "Gene" Wright, 85, passed away on September 7, 2021, after a lengthy illness.

He was born on July 7, 1936, in Needham, Alabama. He moved to Mobile, Alabama, as a child, and then resided in Mobile the remainder of his life. He was the son of the late Wilburn Woodrow Wright and Rosa Vera Broadhead Wright. Gene will be lovingly remembered by his family: his children Linda Wright, Debbie Sandifer (Buddy) and Robin Whitney (Wade). He will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Courtney White and Blakeley Whitney, by his great-grandsons Elijah Sandifer and Elliott Sandifer (with another great-grandson on the way), and by his brother Charlie Wright and his sister Judy McClendon. Gene was predeceased by his devoted wife of 64 years, Yvonne Norton Wright; his granddaughter, Caroline Mercer Whitney; his grandson, Zachary James Sandifer; his brother, Oscar Wright and his sister, Ann Kindred.

Gene attended Yearby Elementary School, Barton Academy and graduated from Murphy High School. He went on to earn a degree in business from Springhill College. After graduation, Gene was commissioned a second lieutenant in the army and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he was stationed, and in South Korea during peacetime. He then worked at Ciba-Geigy for many years as a purchasing agent and went on to work for over 25 years as purchasing manager and eventually vice-president of purchasing for Degussa America.

He was a dedicated member of Cottage Hill Baptist Church for almost thirty years, where he served in the church nursery for many years. He also attended Sonrise Baptist Church and Luke 4:18 Fellowship for many years.

Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his support of his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and their dance, cheer and ballet performances; and for supporting many Special Olympic competitions. Gene also enjoyed deer hunting and bass fishing with his dear friends, and immensely enjoyed the company of his chocolate lab, Rhett. His love for and devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandsons was limitless. He will be greatly missed by them all.

The family wishes to thank Ashbury Manor, Kindred Hospice and Mobile Nursing for making sure his final days were filled with dignity and peace.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, (6040 Three Notch Road, Mobile Alabama). A funeral service will be held at the same location on Monday, September 13, 2021, at 2:00 pm, with Pastor David Bullock officiating. Interment will follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery (6100 Three Notch Road, Mobile, Alabama).