Frederick Norman Wright

Wright, Frederick Norman – age 72 passed away April 10, 2013 surrounded by his family at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center after complications with rheumatoid arthritis and a brief battle with multiple myeloma. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Ruby Wright, brother Rev. James Wright, and nephew David Garay. Married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Judy, for over 53 years, Norman lived his life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and leader of his family. Norman loved his place on Douglas Lake and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing golf. For many years he golfed at Holston Hills Country Club where he was a past president. A Knoxville native and graduate of Fulton High School, Norman was a respected Knoxville businessman, a 42nd degree Mason, a Shriner, and attended Eastminster Presbyterian Church. He entered the retail grocery business with his father Fred Wright and Jack Cox in 1964 and, along with his wife Judy, was the long-time owner/operator of the Cox & Wright grocery stores in Knoxville and Rutledge, Tennessee. His son Rick and wife Patty now manage the Cox & Wright in Rutledge. Those who knew and worked with him remember him fondly for his quick wit, unfailing loyalty, boyish sense of humor, and benevolent nature. Never shying away from a challenge, Norman Wright taught everyone around him to tackle life's obstacles head-on, to do the right thing – even when it was the hard thing to do-with honesty, bravery, and compassion. Norman's survivors include: his wife, Judy Wright, his son Rick Wright and wife Patty of Knoxville, daughters Lisa Howe and husband Bill of Fayetteville, GA, and Dr. Theresa Wright and husband Chris Godfrey of Athens, GA, his grandchildren Jacob and Katie Wright, Laura Aday, and Finnegan Godfrey, his sisters Linda Wright, Alice Dollar and husband Buddy, his sister-in-law Peggy Garay and husband Harold. Norman also leaves several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his black lab Pete. There will be a celebration of Norman's life Saturday, April 13 at 7:00pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 4904 Asheville Highway with Dr.Sean White officiating. Family will greet friends from 4:00-7:00pm. Family and friends will meet at the main entrance to Highland Memorial Cemetery 1:45 P.M. Sunday for Interment Service at 2:00 P.M.. In lieu of flowers, family requests contributions to Eastminster Prebyterian Church, Knoxville Interfaith Health Clinic, 315 Gill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917 or Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851. The online obituary may be viewed and condolences made at www.rosemortuary.com

Tributes

Frederick Norman Wright

August 30, 1940 - April 10, 2013