John Henry Wright

John Henry Wright, Jr. age 87, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2012. Born August 9, 1925 to John H. Wright, Sr. and Mamie Polk Wright in Hattiesburg, MS, John’s parents moved to Lucedale when John was 12 years old. He was the last of their ten children. John is a member of Burton Memorial United Methodist Church. He is also a member of Gulfport Elks Lodge #978 and American Legion Post 119. He served in the United States Marines from 1943 to 1946. John graduated from Mississippi State University in 1950 with a degree in Petroleum Geology. During his 36 year career, he spent 22 years in Venezuela, and four years in Indonesia. Upon retirement, he moved to Gulfport with his wife, Vera. He was a resident of the Armed Forces Retirement Home until his death. Everyone who came in contact with him during his life was a better person. He will be greatly missed by the remaining family and friends. John is preceded in death by his parents, John H. Wright, Sr. and Mamie Polk Wright; wife of 51 years, Vera Duke; son, John Michael Wright; five brothers, and four sisters. He is survived by his step-son, William W. Helvie, M.D.; granddaughter, Lauren Helvie, and special friend Vivian (Jean) Bond. Friends may visit from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, November 19, 2012 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 1726 15th Street, Gulfport .Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at the funeral home chapel with where friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment with military honors will be conducted at Biloxi National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northhampton, MA 01061. The family wishes to extend a special note of gratitude to the Armed Forces Retirement Home for their help, care, and concern for Uncle John during his illness. Memorials and condolences may be shared for John at www.bradfordokeefe.comInterment with military honors will be conducted at Biloxi National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northhampton, MA 01061. The family wishes to extend a special note of gratitude to the Armed Forces Retirement Home for their help, care, and concern for Uncle John during his illness.