Obituary of Tracy Otis Wright

Tracy O. Wright, 87, of Roanoke passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Roanoke a son of the late, Wiley E and Girlie Wright. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wiley E. Wright Jr.; and a sister, Doris W. Lawrence. After serving a tour in the United States Army, Tracy joined the local reserve unit, the 780th Field Artillery unit and was called to active duty when the Korean War began. Following his return to the United States he was selected as the first Virginian to attend college under the Korean G.I. Bill. He attended Roanoke College for one year before accepting a position with Moore Business Forms. There he was a life member of their Achievement Club and retired after 39 years as a senior account executive. Since 1995 he has worked as a transporter for the Hertz Corporation. His daughter Tracey Shan attended Virginia Tech, he was an avid Hokie fan especially when it came to football and basketball. He seldom missed a home game after the stadium and coliseum were built. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Eileen Zion Wright; daughters, Deborah Ann Wright Wertz and son-in-law, Curry Lane Wertz, and Tracey Shan Wright; grandchildren, Briton Wright Wertz, and Curran Lane Wertz; great-grandchildren, Mia Skye Wertz, Massimo Sabine Wertz, and Cory Lane Wertz; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Medi Home Health and Hospice 5369 Peters Creek Road Roanoke, Va. 24019. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road by the Rev. John P. Dunstan. Entombment will be private. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Simpson Funeral Home. 540-366-0707