Johnny Roscoe Wright

Johnny Wright, 72 of Whitman took his stroll into Heaven on the morning of Friday April 7 surrounded by family and friends. Johnny was born at Whitman to the late Roscoe Jr. and Estelle Wright. John was welcomed at Heaven’s Gates by his loving parents; his granddaughter, Brittany Michelle, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Johnny had a love of serving others through his years on this earth. He was a member of Cora Volunteer Fire Department and LEASA Rescue Squad for many years. Even when his health prohibited him from active participation he was there trying to help in some way. He served as commissioner for the Men’s Slow-pitch soft ball league in Logan for many years during which he coached also. If you were to ask John what his greatest accomplishments in his life was, he would reply, “next to my children and grandchildren, giving my life to my Lord.” His desire to see his family and friends saved was so very important to him. He enjoyed helping in church functions in any way he possibly could. He always wanted to set an example for others though service. Once he retired due to his health, he loved to spend hours fishing but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren whom he adored. He was so proud of them, always encouraging and offering advice. He wanted them to do well in life and it showed. As his health declined he was adamant with his physicians about being home as he told them he had his own nursing staff between his daughters, granddaughters. Not to mention his wife, daughter, and grandson that would do anything for him. “What more could a man ask for” he would say. Through his declining health he spent much time with LRMC staff, his friends on the 5th floor picked up that his granddaughter Shelby would go by and kiss him on his forehead and say “I love you Pappy” and he perked right up so they took to calling him Pappy and leaving lipstick on his forehead. Those that didn’t know would address him as Mr. Wright and he always ignored them. Each time the word admit came up he thought he had to go to his friends on the 5th floor. The staff at LEASA, “his boys” as he called them that transported him many times, he once again became their friend, whenever he was having a hard time he would say “call my boys, I need to be checked out.” He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Julia “Judy”; his daughters, Jonna at home, Jodi (Douglas) of Chapmanville; his son, John Darren (Terri) of Whitman; grandchildren, Brianna Wright (Bobby Joe Hager) of Whitman, Shelby McCloud of Chapmanville, Ashley Wright of Whitman, and John Derek of Whitman. He may have left them behind but his prayers were to them all meet him on Heaven’s Shores someday. John was loved by many and a few special friends that made his final days a little easier. John’s family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Radha, Dr. Bilal, Dr. Faridi, Dr. Marzouk, Dr. Salem, ER physicians, Dr. Long, Dr. Flanagan, Dr. Hall, and Dr. Kanuri for covering when Dr. Radha couldn’t be there. A heartfelt thank you to the LRMC nursing staff, you treated him as family and showed his family what nursing is all about. A special thank you to the staff at LEASA for your countless hours spent caring for dad. Thank you to his church family at 20 Whitman Community Church for your care and concern. Also, a special thank you to Kendall Dingess of Whitman, you are the best neighbor a man could ask for. To his friend, “Patchee” at LRMC, she always made his stay comfortable no matter what floor he was on. We may have failed to mention each of you at some point but to all of you, family and friends, the family thanks you. John was a blessed man to have each of you in his life and we as a family are blessed to have had you to travel this road with us. Thank you. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday April 10 at the 20 Whitman Community Church with Pastor Joaquin Ooten and Homer Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Friends and family may call from 6 – 9 p.m. Sunday April 9 also at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com Akers-James Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.