Richard Byron Wright's Obituary
Richard Byron Wright of Garland went to be with our Lord on Thursday, August 27 at 2:29 pm after a long battle with cancer. Richard, more fondly known as Dick, Dad, or Pawpaw, was born in Bartlesville, OK July 26, 1929. Growing up in Bartlesville, he was involved in basketball, gymnastics, and marching band, where he played saxophone and served as Drum Major. Dick was also an honored and decorated United States Veteran. Between January of 1951 and November of 1954, he served in the U.S. Navy as a 2nd class airman and flew secret missions below the radar, gathering data to keep the United States safe. He was later inducted into the Confederate Air Force Reserve and received medals and honors for his service while in the Navy. He met his beautiful wife of almost 58 years, Oleta, on September 16, 1951 and they were married on November 21 of that same year. They had 3 children and lived in both Bartlesville, OK and Lawrence, KS, where Dick served as a manager in the night club business and also found his love for flying as a civilian pilot. They finally settled in Garland, TX where he was affiliated with several insurance companies. Most of all, they enjoyed holidays and special occasions with their children and their families. Dick is survived by his wife Oleta; daughter Karan Wright, son Devin and his wife Tenjey Wright, daughter Dana and her husband Kevin Morton, grandchildren Adrian Kennedy, Amber Kennedy, Jessica Milbrandt and her husband Phillip Milbrandt, Kristine Wright, Matthew Riddels, and Angela Riddels, great-grandchildren Hunter Kennedy and Bethany Milbrandt, and many wonderful friends and relatives. Dick was a good provider for his family, was well-known for his jokes and having a good time, and he was very much a people-person. He was happiest when all of his family was together. He will be sorely missed. His family would like to especially thank Grace Presbyterian Hospice and Grace Presbyterian Village for their unwavering support and dedication to Dick and Oleta during this difficult time. Love and thanks also to H.D. Mobley, Terry Cooper, Bill McVay, and David Moore for helping to improve Dick’s quality of life in his fight against cancer. The viewing will be held Sunday, August 30 from 2-4 pm at Restland Funeral Home located at 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. Services will be held on Monday, August 31 at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church of Richardson located at 319 La Salle Drive, Richardson, TX 75081. Pallbearers will be Steve Anglin, Dave Bareis, Mike Gibson, Adrian Kennedy, Phillip Milbrandt, Matthew Riddels, and Kristine Wright. The service will be followed by a procession to the U.S. Military graveside ceremony at Restland.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?