Harland “Bud” Wright, 87, ended his journey here on Earth June 2, 2013 at Hospice at Wendover. 

He was the son of the late Gaston and Myrtle Wright.  He was a member of Zion Baptist Church.  His beloved wife of 37 years, Pat Dixon Wright, preceded him in death and welcomes him into his forever home. His brother Robert “Bus” Wright also preceded him in death.  This gentle man had a courageous spirit, which he demonstrated through service during World War II serving in the 34^th Infantry.  The bravery he showed was acknowledged by the Army with the presentation of the Purple Heart due to injuries he sustained during the Pacific Theatre in the Philippine Islands.  He was a dedicated Atlanta Braves fan and a lover of racing.  He worked tirelessly his whole life: a 30 year Dover Textile Employee as a weaver and after retirement, worked with his son building race cars at Barry Wright Race Cars in Cowpens, SC.  Bud’s hands were never idle.  Work was the cornerstone of his life, which was one of the many values he instilled in his surviving family.  His family and friends will miss his extraordinary green thumb and the vegetables his garden produced each year. Bud’s best times were spent surrounded by his admiring children and grandchildren. 

He is survived by two sons and their spouses: Barry and Judy Wright of Inman, SC; David and Lisa Wright of Crossnore, NC; and a daughter and son-in law David and Amy Wright Lail of Shelby.  Bud’s pride and joy were his grandchildren: Ashley Wright, Meredith and Bryan Harmon, Lance and Briana Wright, Dixon and Abby Wright, Kelsey Wright, McKenzie Lail, Neely Lail Melton, and Natalie Lail Whitaker, and one great- grandchild, Calleigh Wright.  Also surviving, are his sister and brother in law, Lawrence and Nell Oliver of Shelby; sister-in-law, Mrs. Ned Dixon of Clemmons, NC and numerous nieces and nephews.  Bud had a very special caregiver that made his last days full of joy and kept his mind sharp until the end, Mrs. Delores Butler of Helping Hands Nursing. 

The family welcomes friends to Cecil Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Tuesday June 4^th from 6pm-7:30pm immediately followed by a celebration of life service in the chapel.  The Rev. David Blanton will be officiating.  A military rites service and interment will be Wednesday June 5^th at 11:00 am at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Shelby, NC.  At all other times, the family welcomes friends to the home of David and Amy Lail, 1021 Sanders Road, Shelby.

Memorials may be made to Hospice at Wendover, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150, Fallston Baptist Church Growing in His Glory, P O Box 116, Fallston, NC 28042, and The Wounded Warrior Project., P O Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Wright.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com