Oscar S. Wright

Oscar S. Wright, 82, died peacefully at 12:15 on November 3, 2009 at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Oscar was born December 3, 1926 in Roanoke Rapids N.C. After high school, Oscar enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in Japan at the end of World War II. Managing a hotel for returning US soldiers in Nikko Japan was one of the great adventures of his life. A proud veteran and American, Oscar always flew the American flag on US holidays. After his military service, Oscar moved to Newport News, Virginia to reunite with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Kennie Henry Wright and Florence Irene Snipes and two sisters Mahaler Sizemore and Louise Medlin. In 1953 he married the love of his life, Erline Jones and moved to Winston-Salem where they raised their family. To provide for his family, Oscar entered the retail shoe industry. For much of his career, he managed the ladies shoe department at Montaldo's in Winston-Salem. Twice per year, Oscar traveled to New York City to buy the designer lines of women's shoes that Montaldo's carried. This allowed him the opportunity to see many Broadway shows and enjoy the excitement of Manhattan which he loved. He always returned with gifts for the family from the big apple. Oscar retired at 62 from Hines Shoes and spent the rest of his days doing exactly what he wanted. He loved being at home or in his shop making things. He loved to travel. He and Erline logged many miles visiting most of the states over the years. During his youth, Oscar was a jazz drummer that performed big band swing music with bands in the Virginia tide water area. He loved listening to music his entire life. His wife, children and grandchildren are all musicians. His other interests included: photography, painting, and woodworking. Every Christmas he made wooden toy trucks and cars as gifts for children in the community. His family, friends and church were the most important things in his life. Oscar was a Christian and an active member of New Philadelphia Moravian Church. Most Sundays he would greet visitors at the door of the church as they entered, welcoming them to the service by shaking hands with a smile. For twenty years, he was appointed an Acolyte and served Holy Communion to the congregation. Oscar is survived by his wife, Erline Jones Wright, their children John Dale Wright and Catherine Ann Dull, son-in-law Gaylan Dull, dear grandsons Matthew Dull and Joshua Dull, his sister Helen Pridgen, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Peggy and Ray Moser and Mary and Joe Hege, also many nephews and nieces. The funeral service will be held at New Philadelphia Moravian Church at 1:00 pm this Friday, November 6 with Dr. Worth Green and Dr. David Marcus officiating. Burial will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers please send donations to New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 or the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. The family would like to thank the Neuro-ICU2 staff at Forsyth Medical Center and the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home for their expertise and excellent service, performed with kindness and grace.

Memorials:
Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or New Philadelphia Moravian Church, 4440 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104

Cemetery:
New Philadelphia Moravian Church Graveyard

Service:
Service at 01:00pm on November 6, 2009 at New Philadelphia Moravian Church