Gene Wright

Gene Wright, age 92 of Anna, died Sunday, March 29, 2020 in the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna. He was born July 7, 1927 in Buncombe, the son of Audie Sherman and Vesta Mae (Miller) Wright. He married Mary Lou Toler on June 23, 1956 in Anna. Gene is survived by his loving wife of sixty three years, Mary Lou Wright of Anna; children, Marla Sue Rendleman of Anna, David Scott (Angela) Wright of Marion, Thomas Gene (Dianne) Wright and Robbie Sherman (Suzie) Wright all of Jonesboro; twelve grandchildren, Brad Dexter, Angela Hand, Carri Odle, Cole Craft, Brett Wright, Brooke Anderson, Brady Wright, Jaime Wright, Jodie Dial, Jessica Wright, Matthew Brown, Sarah Brown; thirty great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; sister, Ramona Hayes of Herrin; dear friends, Floyd and Edna Dallas of Anna; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carla Welbaum, two grandchildren, Audie Clarence Wright and Rebecca Clemons; sisters, Ethelene Lyerla and Nellie Mae Dillow; infant sister, Carol Ann Wright; and son in law, Leroy "Leepy" Rendleman. Gene honorably served his country in the Merchant Marines and the United States Air Force. Gene was a longtime, dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. He loved to play golf and was a member of Union County Country Club for over 40 years. He also loved to play cards with family and friends. Over the years, he has had many hobbies like talking on his CB radio, riding his Harley, spending time on his computer and going out to eat. He really enjoyed shopping for a new car. Most of all, though, he loved spending time with his family as a husband, father and papa attending ballgames, going to birthday parties, playing games with the little ones and entertaining them with his childhood stories.Early in his career he worked for Whitney Accounting and then he worked as Comptroller for Presley Tours for over thirty years. Genes family would like to express their sincere heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at the Union County Long Term Care and the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna. Private graveside services will be for the immediate family. Interment will be in the Ebenezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek. The family will announce a public celebration of life at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna Activity Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.