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John Oscar Wright Jr., devout Christian

July 8, 2021

John Oscar Wright Jr., 70 years young, was born to the late Lilly King and John Oscar Wright Sr., Thursday, Aug. 3, 1950, in Lewes. John was also affectionately known as “Tommy” by his maternal grandmother, Nancy King, and to others as “Big John.” After a lengthy illness and a short stay at Delaware Hospice, God called him to his resting place Saturday, July 3, 2021.

John attended public schools in Sussex County, including William C. Jason Comprehensive High School in Georgetown and Sussex Vocational High School, concentrating in the field of auto body and fender repair. John completed his high school requirements and graduated from Lewes High School in 1968, hanging up his football gear, which he loved dearly, in exchange for season tickets for the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved watching sports in the comfort of his home every season.

Shortly after graduating from high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he became a part of the 82nd Airborne. His active duty was shortened when he returned home to assist in taking care of his grandmother. John continued to serve his country as an Army Reservist. He married at age 19. From this union he became the proud father of three sons, John Oscar Wright III, Jevon Wright and Jerrin Wright.

As he returned to civilian life, and his responsibilities increased, John desired to have a better quality of life for his family. He applied to and was hired at General Foods in Dover and remained there until retirement. John was brought up in a Christian home and began his Christian walk at Friendship Baptist Church in Lewes. He professed Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was baptized Dec. 22, 2018. He maintained a close bond with his spiritual parents Rev. George Edwards and his wife Ardeth.

John developed a close friendship with Dr. Jose Saez and friends at dialysis. John was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents; parents; aunts and uncles; and three sisters. John leaves to cherish fond memories, three sons, John O. Wright III of Milton, Jevon L. Wright (Beth) of Gainesville, Va., and Jerrin A. Wright of Smyrna; a devoted and loving companion/caregiver 20 years plus, Doris Scott of Dover; a devoted loving cousin, Ernest King (Ann) of Camden; three sisters, Gwendolyn Riddick (Jesse), Denise Butler and Sheila Cain (Robert), all of Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four homeboys, Mike, Jay, Coley and Ike; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, July 13, at noon, at Friendship Baptist Church, 500 W. 4th St. Lewes. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the service. A viewing will be held Monday, July 12, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Friendship Baptist Church. To offer words of comfort or sign the guestbook visit www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com. Professional services entrusted to Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover

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