FRANKLINTON, NC--Joseph Earl "Joe" Wright, 87, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at his residence. Joe was born in Franklin County, the son of the late John Thomas Wright, Sr. and Vallie Evans Wright. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Leah Wilder Wright, brothers, Willard "Bo" Wright, John Thomas "Junior" Wright, Jr., Donald Wright, and sister, Mary Wright Parham.
Joe was a proud veteran, serving his country in the US Army and spent more than 50 years as a Franklin County farmer. Joe would tell you he had been a farmer since he could walk and while managing his own farm, he also worked with Job P. Wyatt & Sons, and the NC Farm Service Agency. During his retirement years, he became widely known at the "Melonman", growing thousands of watermelons distributed right from his backyard to many from near and far - building wonderful relationships throughout those years. Some of Joe's favorite pastimes were fishing, hunting, antiquing, and gardening.
Joe is survived by two sons, Ronnie Wright (Terry) of Franklinton, Kim Wright (Barbara) of Louisburg, two daughters, Jodie Wright Bowman (Scott) of Franklinton, and Mandy Wright Holtman (Derek) of Wake Forest, seven grandchildren, Tony Wright, Justin Wright, Jonathan Wright, Brian Bowman, Trevor Bowman, Samantha Holtman, and Cody Holtman, and eight great-grandchildren, Lauren Wright, Chase Wright, Tage Wright, Harper Wright, Harley Wright, Mitchell Bowman, Naomi Bowman, and Penelope Bowman.
A celebration of life service will be held at Franklinton Baptist Church on Saturday, October 15, 2022. The family will receive friends at 2 pm with the service immediately following at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 ; Future Farmers of America (FFA), North Carolina State University, Attn: Katherine Miller, CPA, Campus Box 7501, Raleigh, NC 27695-7501.
Arrangements are being handled by Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com
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