Alfred (Al) Ray Wright

On January 4, 2022, NASCAR lost one of it's biggest fans. Alfred (Al) Ray Wright, the oldest son of Edith Maxine (McCloy) Wright and Louis Ray Wright, was born in Akron,OH on August 3, 1960. He was a 1979 graduate of Akron's Garfield High School and a proud Golden Ram. Shortly after graduating from high school, where he ran track, he followed a friend to Naples, FL in search of a job. There he would find a permanent home, many adventures, and life-long friendships that brought him great joy.

Al was an electrician by trade, enjoying employment with several fine companies, including Beaumont Electric and Raglands Electrical Inc. From a very young age, Al developed an interest in model airplanes and model cars. His hobby was indulged and cultivated by his Dad, his Uncle Jim, and his Uncle Gene. Later in life he would come to own his own car detailing shop. Eventually, he finished his working career with Debold Auto. When Al suffered a stroke in 2016, Scott Debold went out of his way to ensure that Al had medical insurance coverage even though he could no longer work.

He had a lot of great loves in his life including Hershey Chocolate bars, anything made with peanut butter, Janet Geiger Palumbo, and his beloved yellow Mustang. Musically, the only thing he enjoyed more than Creedance Clearwater Revival, was the theme song to M*A*S*H*...a show whose reruns he would watch daily for years.

Even though he lived far away, his family was important to him, especially his brother Jimmy who was by his side for many years. He found great joy in reminiscing and sharing sweet memories of summers and holidays spent in WV with his grandparents, aunts and uncles, and many fun loving cousins.While he was a fighter with a great will to live, he lost his battle with advanced end-stage COPD.

He leaves behind many people who cherish and miss him including his sister, Debbie Wright; his brother, Jimmy Wright; his best friend, Tom Marsh (Debbie) whom he loved like a brother, as well as his dear friend, June Barber. He also leaves behind his Amazon Parrot, Mo, who was such a big part of his daily lihe.

Friends and family can call from 10AM-11AM, March 12, 2022, at St. Hilary Catholic Church, Fairlawn, OH. A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Hilary at 11AM on March 12th. The funeral service will be live-streamed from the St. Hilary website, www.sthilarychurch.org, for those unable to attend.

Donations should be made to the St. Hilary Church Foundation, or the American Lung Association.

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