| James Lawson (Jim) Wright, age 90, died Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at Cleveland Pines Nursing Center.
Jim was born in Rutherford County on January 10, 1921 to W.T. (Red) and Mary Magdeline Wright. Following Mary Wright’s death in 1929, Red Wright married Mattie Norville, who lovingly raised Jim, his brother Charles and sister Frances as her own.
On December 24, 1938, with his grandfather Reverend Nathan Wright officiating, Jim married Doshia Edwards. Their union would span 65 years, until Doshia died with Jim at her bedside in 2003.
Jim and Doshia had two daughters, Betty Wright White and Dr. Shirley Wright of St. Augustine, Florida. Betty passed away in 2006.
Surviving in addition to his daughter Shirley are Jim’s beloved sister, Frances Wright Clarke of Shelby, grandchildren Carol Melton Campbell, Mark W. Melton and Amy E. Kennedy. Jim’s great-grandchildren are Sara Lanier, Mattie Lanier, Tyler Melton and Amira Kennedy.
Jim was a U.S. Army veteran in WWII. He was retired salesman from Lutz-Yelton tractor and truck company after 39 years. He was also a mechanic, teacher, businessman and craftsman. Jim was a member of First Baptist Church where he belonged to the Fred Flowers Sunday Class, was a Sunday School teacher for 30 years and was past president of the Brother Hood. He never met a stranger and could always be counted on to offer a special part of himself to others through his sharp wit, comforting touch, helpful hands, and reassuring manner.
Both the visitation and funeral will be held at Cecil Burton Funeral Home on Saturday, April 2, 2011. Friends are invited to share fond memories with his family at 11:00 am. At 12:00 noon, Pastor Tony Tench will lead a joyous celebration of his life. Jim will be laid to rest beside his beloved Doshia at Cleveland Memorial Park immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150 or First Baptist Church, 120 North Lafayette Street, Shelby NC 28150.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Wright.
Guest Registry is available at
www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
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