OBITUARY
Joe Reffie Wright was born December 26, 1931 in Garner, North Carolina to the late Joe and Rose Ella Wright. Growing up in Garner, North Carolina, Joe learned early on from his parents the value of taking the right path. They taught him the importance of making good decisions and how in doing so, you are undoubtedly building a firm foundation. Following his spiritual teaching and Christian experience, Joe joined Springfield Baptist Church in Knightdale NC. It was there where he was baptized.
After graduating from Ligon High School, he wasted no time before joining the United States Army. It was during this time when he married the love of his life for over 34-years, the late Berthina Purcell. Joe has two d¬aughters, Teresa, and Marilyn and one granddaughter, Ki'Endra, affectionately known as Kim. Oh, how he loved his girls! There was nothing within his power that he would not do for either of them. Just like the military, he truly embraced his marriage and fatherhood as a badge of honor.
Outside of being married to his precious wife, he often referred to his time in the military as "Best decision I ever made!" To say he was “proud to serve '' would be an understatement! For 32-years, he wore the uniform proudly; he walked proudly, and he led his soldiers….proudly.
Yes, the military was in his blood. There were many life-long friendships that were formed like the ones with his daughter Teresa’s Godparents, the late Lonzell (2010), and Shirley Stewart as well as his friends Theodore and Ann Watt. They all met while being stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and served in Vietnam together.
As you can see, Joe’s military career was vast. It expanded outside of the United States to include tours of duty in Korea and even twice in Vietnam. He retired from the United States Army with full military honors, accommodations and awards which included, but were not limited to, The Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart.
Upon retirement, Joe decided to settle his roots near his last duty station of Fort Eustis where he remained a resident of Newport News, Virginia. Joe became a member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church of Newport News, VA where he served for over 40 years! He was a proud member of the Trustee Board as a Deacon and later became Deacon Emeritus. Joe played a pivotal role in serving on the building committee for the church on Tabbs Lane. His name can be found listed on the church corner stone.
Joe also attended Thomas Nelson Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. Many homes today in Newport News are either "hot or cold" because of Wright’s Heating and Air Conditioning Service Company. Joe Wright was a giver who was dedicated to his community. His business was a ministry to him. Whether you could afford his services or not, he worked tirelessly day and night to ensure everyone had comfort in their homes.
Joe was loved by everyone who came in contact with him, but you did not have to know him to feel his love. If he saw someone in need, he would do everything he could to help them. It was those core values he learned from his parents and his giving nature that caused him to see the good in others. He continued to serve the community in any way he could until his declining health.
There are simply not enough words to describe how Joe felt about his family. He had the kind of love that made everyone feel special, no matter who you were. His youngest daughter Teresa was undoubtedly a true ‘Daddy’s Girl’ in every sense of the word. They shared an unbreakable bond. They spent many hours of quality daddy-daughter time together. Teresa put her life on hold the last two years of his life to help take care of her daddy.
The love he had for Marilyn was very special. When she was diagnosed with diabetes, he would call her at work to see how her day was going, what time she would be coming home, and what she wanted for dinner. When she was hospitalized, he was there right by her side. Since Marilyn lived at home, they took care of each other.
With all the love he had for his daughters, you would think it would be impossible for him to share. However, he found a way and he was good at it! The love he and Kim had was a joy to watch. Joe enjoyed sharing his life experiences and giving her valuable tools to live her best life. She loved spending time with her grandpa gleaning from his nuggets of wisdom.
As the known Patriarch of the family, Joe responded as a father and genuinely cared about the well-being of his nieces, nephews, and all family members as a whole. Spending time with family was one of his most heart-felt joys in life. The man with the smile, the gentle voice, and loving touch was who he truly was.
When you give love as hard as Joe, it can only come back to you magnified. As Joe’s health was declining, it became time for his family to take care of him and they did so with honor. Determined to allow their father to live his best life, on his own terms, his daughters Teresa and Marilyn stayed by his side until his passing.
Joe Reffie Wright was born December 26, 1931 in Garner, North Carolina to the late Joe and Rose Ella Wright. Growing up in Garner, North Carolina, Joe learned early on from his parents the value of taking the right path. They taught him the importance of making good decisions and how in doing so, you are undoubtedly building a firm foundation. Following his spiritual teaching and Christian experience, Joe joined Springfield Baptist Church in Knightdale NC. It was there where he was baptized.
After graduating from Ligon High School, he wasted no time before joining the United States Army. It was during this time when he married the love of his life for over 34-years, the late Berthina Purcell. Joe has two d¬aughters, Teresa, and Marilyn and one granddaughter, Ki'Endra, affectionately known as Kim. Oh, how he loved his girls! There was nothing within his power that he would not do for either of them. Just like the military, he truly embraced his marriage and fatherhood as a badge of honor.
Outside of being married to his precious wife, he often referred to his time in the military as "Best decision I ever made!" To say he was “proud to serve '' would be an understatement! For 32-years, he wore the uniform proudly; he walked proudly, and he led his soldiers….proudly.
Yes, the military was in his blood. There were many life-long friendships that were formed like the ones with his daughter Teresa’s Godparents, the late Lonzell (2010), and Shirley Stewart as well as his friends Theodore and Ann Watt. They all met while being stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and served in Vietnam together.
As you can see, Joe’s military career was vast. It expanded outside of the United States to include tours of duty in Korea and even twice in Vietnam. He retired from the United States Army with full military honors, accommodations and awards which included, but were not limited to, The Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart.
Upon retirement, Joe decided to settle his roots near his last duty station of Fort Eustis where he remained a resident of Newport News, Virginia. Joe became a member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church of Newport News, VA where he served for over 40 years! He was a proud member of the Trustee Board as a Deacon and later became Deacon Emeritus. Joe played a pivotal role in serving on the building committee for the church on Tabbs Lane. His name can be found listed on the church corner stone.
Joe also attended Thomas Nelson Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. Many homes today in Newport News are either "hot or cold" because of Wright’s Heating and Air Conditioning Service Company. Joe Wright was a giver who was dedicated to his community. His business was a ministry to him. Whether you could afford his services or not, he worked tirelessly day and night to ensure everyone had comfort in their homes.
Joe was loved by everyone who came in contact with him, but you did not have to know him to feel his love. If he saw someone in need, he would do everything he could to help them. It was those core values he learned from his parents and his giving nature that caused him to see the good in others. He continued to serve the community in any way he could until his declining health.
There are simply not enough words to describe how Joe felt about his family. He had the kind of love that made everyone feel special, no matter who you were. His youngest daughter Teresa was undoubtedly a true ‘Daddy’s Girl’ in every sense of the word. They shared an unbreakable bond. They spent many hours of quality daddy-daughter time together. Teresa put her life on hold the last two years of his life to help take care of her daddy.
The love he had for Marilyn was very special. When she was diagnosed with diabetes, he would call her at work to see how her day was going, what time she would be coming home, and what she wanted for dinner. When she was hospitalized, he was there right by her side. Since Marilyn lived at home, they took care of each other.
With all the love he had for his daughters, you would think it would be impossible for him to share. However, he found a way and he was good at it! The love he and Kim had was a joy to watch. Joe enjoyed sharing his life experiences and giving her valuable tools to live her best life. She loved spending time with her grandpa gleaning from his nuggets of wisdom.
As the known Patriarch of the family, Joe responded as a father and genuinely cared about the well-being of his nieces, nephews, and all family members as a whole. Spending time with family was one of his most heart-felt joys in life. The man with the smile, the gentle voice, and loving touch was who he truly was.
When you give love as hard as Joe, it can only come back to you magnified. As Joe’s health was declining, it became time for his family to take care of him and they did so with honor. Determined to allow their father to live his best life, on his own terms, his daughters Teresa and Marilyn stayed by his side until his passing.
OBITUARY
Joe Reffie Wright was born December 26, 1931 in Garner, North Carolina to the late Joe and Rose Ella Wright. Growing up in Garner, North Carolina, Joe learned early on from his parents the value of taking the right path. They taught him the importance of making good decisions and how in doing so, you are undoubtedly building a firm foundation. Following his spiritual teaching and Christian experience, Joe joined Springfield Baptist Church in Knightdale NC. It was there where he was baptized.
After graduating from Ligon High School, he wasted no time before joining the United States Army. It was during this time when he married the love of his life for over 34-years, the late Berthina Purcell. Joe has two d¬aughters, Teresa, and Marilyn and one granddaughter, Ki'Endra, affectionately known as Kim. Oh, how he loved his girls! There was nothing within his power that he would not do for either of them. Just like the military, he truly embraced his marriage and fatherhood as a badge of honor.
Outside of being married to his precious wife, he often referred to his time in the military as "Best decision I ever made!" To say he was “proud to serve '' would be an understatement! For 32-years, he wore the uniform proudly; he walked proudly, and he led his soldiers….proudly.
Yes, the military was in his blood. There were many life-long friendships that were formed like the ones with his daughter Teresa’s Godparents, the late Lonzell (2010), and Shirley Stewart as well as his friends Theodore and Ann Watt. They all met while being stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and served in Vietnam together.
As you can see, Joe’s military career was vast. It expanded outside of the United States to include tours of duty in Korea and even twice in Vietnam. He retired from the United States Army with full military honors, accommodations and awards which included, but were not limited to, The Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart.
Upon retirement, Joe decided to settle his roots near his last duty station of Fort Eustis where he remained a resident of Newport News, Virginia. Joe became a member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church of Newport News, VA where he served for over 40 years! He was a proud member of the Trustee Board as a Deacon and later became Deacon Emeritus. Joe played a pivotal role in serving on the building committee for the church on Tabbs Lane. His name can be found listed on the church corner stone.
Joe also attended Thomas Nelson Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. Many homes today in Newport News are either "hot or cold" because of Wright’s Heating and Air Conditioning Service Company. Joe Wright was a giver who was dedicated to his community. His business was a ministry to him. Whether you could afford his services or not, he worked tirelessly day and night to ensure everyone had comfort in their homes.
Joe was loved by everyone who came in contact with him, but you did not have to know him to feel his love. If he saw someone in need, he would do everything he could to help them. It was those core values he learned from his parents and his giving nature that caused him to see the good in others. He continued to serve the community in any way he could until his declining health.
There are simply not enough words to describe how Joe felt about his family. He had the kind of love that made everyone feel special, no matter who you were. His youngest daughter Teresa was undoubtedly a true ‘Daddy’s Girl’ in every sense of the word. They shared an unbreakable bond. They spent many hours of quality daddy-daughter time together. Teresa put her life on hold the last two years of his life to help take care of her daddy.
The love he had for Marilyn was very special. When she was diagnosed with diabetes, he would call her at work to see how her day was going, what time she would be coming home, and what she wanted for dinner. When she was hospitalized, he was there right by her side. Since Marilyn lived at home, they took care of each other.
With all the love he had for his daughters, you would think it would be impossible for him to share. However, he found a way and he was good at it! The love he and Kim had was a joy to watch. Joe enjoyed sharing his life experiences and giving her valuable tools to live her best life. She loved spending time with her grandpa gleaning from his nuggets of wisdom.
As the known Patriarch of the family, Joe responded as a father and genuinely cared about the well-being of his nieces, nephews, and all family members as a whole. Spending time with family was one of his most heart-felt joys in life. The man with the smile, the gentle voice, and loving touch was who he truly was.
When you give love as hard as Joe, it can only come back to you magnified. As Joe’s health was declining, it became time for his family to take care of him and they did so with honor. Determined to allow their father to live his best life, on his own terms, his daughters Teresa and Marilyn stayed by his side until his passing.
Joe Reffie Wright was born December 26, 1931 in Garner, North Carolina to the late Joe and Rose Ella Wright. Growing up in Garner, North Carolina, Joe learned early on from his parents the value of taking the right path. They taught him the importance of making good decisions and how in doing so, you are undoubtedly building a firm foundation. Following his spiritual teaching and Christian experience, Joe joined Springfield Baptist Church in Knightdale NC. It was there where he was baptized.
After graduating from Ligon High School, he wasted no time before joining the United States Army. It was during this time when he married the love of his life for over 34-years, the late Berthina Purcell. Joe has two d¬aughters, Teresa, and Marilyn and one granddaughter, Ki'Endra, affectionately known as Kim. Oh, how he loved his girls! There was nothing within his power that he would not do for either of them. Just like the military, he truly embraced his marriage and fatherhood as a badge of honor.
Outside of being married to his precious wife, he often referred to his time in the military as "Best decision I ever made!" To say he was “proud to serve '' would be an understatement! For 32-years, he wore the uniform proudly; he walked proudly, and he led his soldiers….proudly.
Yes, the military was in his blood. There were many life-long friendships that were formed like the ones with his daughter Teresa’s Godparents, the late Lonzell (2010), and Shirley Stewart as well as his friends Theodore and Ann Watt. They all met while being stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and served in Vietnam together.
As you can see, Joe’s military career was vast. It expanded outside of the United States to include tours of duty in Korea and even twice in Vietnam. He retired from the United States Army with full military honors, accommodations and awards which included, but were not limited to, The Bronze Star Medal and The Purple Heart.
Upon retirement, Joe decided to settle his roots near his last duty station of Fort Eustis where he remained a resident of Newport News, Virginia. Joe became a member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church of Newport News, VA where he served for over 40 years! He was a proud member of the Trustee Board as a Deacon and later became Deacon Emeritus. Joe played a pivotal role in serving on the building committee for the church on Tabbs Lane. His name can be found listed on the church corner stone.
Joe also attended Thomas Nelson Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. Many homes today in Newport News are either "hot or cold" because of Wright’s Heating and Air Conditioning Service Company. Joe Wright was a giver who was dedicated to his community. His business was a ministry to him. Whether you could afford his services or not, he worked tirelessly day and night to ensure everyone had comfort in their homes.
Joe was loved by everyone who came in contact with him, but you did not have to know him to feel his love. If he saw someone in need, he would do everything he could to help them. It was those core values he learned from his parents and his giving nature that caused him to see the good in others. He continued to serve the community in any way he could until his declining health.
There are simply not enough words to describe how Joe felt about his family. He had the kind of love that made everyone feel special, no matter who you were. His youngest daughter Teresa was undoubtedly a true ‘Daddy’s Girl’ in every sense of the word. They shared an unbreakable bond. They spent many hours of quality daddy-daughter time together. Teresa put her life on hold the last two years of his life to help take care of her daddy.
The love he had for Marilyn was very special. When she was diagnosed with diabetes, he would call her at work to see how her day was going, what time she would be coming home, and what she wanted for dinner. When she was hospitalized, he was there right by her side. Since Marilyn lived at home, they took care of each other.
With all the love he had for his daughters, you would think it would be impossible for him to share. However, he found a way and he was good at it! The love he and Kim had was a joy to watch. Joe enjoyed sharing his life experiences and giving her valuable tools to live her best life. She loved spending time with her grandpa gleaning from his nuggets of wisdom.
As the known Patriarch of the family, Joe responded as a father and genuinely cared about the well-being of his nieces, nephews, and all family members as a whole. Spending time with family was one of his most heart-felt joys in life. The man with the smile, the gentle voice, and loving touch was who he truly was.
When you give love as hard as Joe, it can only come back to you magnified. As Joe’s health was declining, it became time for his family to take care of him and they did so with honor. Determined to allow their father to live his best life, on his own terms, his daughters Teresa and Marilyn stayed by his side until his passing.
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