Thursday, November 8, 2018 7:59 am

Roy Wright, Jr., age 70 of Forest City passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018.

Roy was born in Forest City on June 26, 1948 and was a son of the late Leroy and Ocie Camp Wright. He worked for many years with the Forest City Parks and Recreation Department and recently was self-employed with his own lawn care business.

Roy was a graduate of East Rutherford High School being one of the first African-Americans to graduate following integration in the public schools. While at East Rutherford he enjoyed playing football for the Cavaliers. He continued his education at Winston-Salem State where he earned his degree. After graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country as a medic during the Vietnam War. Roy also attended Appalachian State University where he was working towards a Masters Degree when his father died and he returned home to help his mother.

Roy was a member of First United Methodist Church of Forest City and enjoyed being both an umpire and referee for local teams. He also was gifted in writing poetry.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Wright, Charles Andrews, and sister, Vanessa Wright.

Survivors include his children currently serving in the united States Army, son, Mason Wright of Fort Bragg, NC, and daughter, Madalyn Wright Beane and husband Brannon of Fort Bliss, Texas, brother, Lawrence Wright of Forest City, sisters, Gladys Moore of Forest City, Virginia Whitesides of Columbus, Ohio, Evelyn Loud and husband David of Los Angeles, California, Verince McLean and husband Thomas of Columbus, Ohio, and Sharon Wilkins and husband Bill of Morganton. There are also a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held at the First United Methodist Church. Military honors were accorded on the front lawn of the church following the service by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. Interment will be private.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett & King Mortuary is serving the family.