Donald James Wright, Jr.

Donald James Wright, Jr., known to many as Don and Grandaddy, passed away on June 4, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 87. He was born on December 12, 1936, in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Don proudly served his country from 1955 to 1975 as a member of the United States Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force and working for BDM Corporation at Ft. Knox, he pursued various careers, including selling cars, being warehouse manager at State Beauty Supply, and delivering pizzas for Papa John's.

Don was a member of Northeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, where he found solace and community. He loved dancing with his wife, sinking putts on the golf course, and watching UL sports, especially cheering on the Denny Crum teams of the 1980s and 90s.

Don is survived his wife, the love of his life, Claudia, and their sweet pup, Happy; his sisters Anna Wilson and Barbara Erwin, his children Michael Wright (Jean), Kim Wright-Rybak (Steve), Todd Hoene (Trisha), Chad Hoene (Staci), and Alicia Allen (Jason), his grandchildren: Candace, Ryan and Paige Rybak, Blake and Kaelyn Hoene, Madison Eskridge, Jalyn and Brady Allen and Logan Hoene. His great-granddaughters, Riley Jo Eskridge and Ellie Mae Hoene; along with countless loving nieces, nephews, and many friends who meant the world to him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Eugene Wright, Sr. and Florence Esther Dillard; sister Karen (Carl) Eichmann, brother Onam "Chip" Smith and his beloved pups Prince, Rusty, and Buddy. And Sydney, the cat.

Visitation services will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4-6:30 pm at Northeast Christian Church, followed by a Celebration of Life at 6:30 pm at the same location (9900 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY 40241, Student Center, Venue B).

Don - father, husband, brother, and "grandaddy" was our Hero. His sky-blue eyes, beautiful smile, and contagious laugh would just melt your heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched with his love, kindness, and unwavering spirit. Fly high, grandaddy. We love you!