Winston Wright

Lewis Winston Wright Jr. passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday March 19, 2023, at his home in Deltaville VA holding hands with Sandy, his wife of 41 years. In his final years, his daughter Laura and Sandy lovingly cared for Winston at home with assistance from Visiting Angels, especially Ashley Young. In his final months, Riverside Hospice provided essential comfort and support. The wonderful staff at Carousel Physical Therapy kept Winston moving for several years after his Parkinson's diagnosis.

Born, March 2, 1932 and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Winston graduated from McCallie School in 1950. He received his undergraduate degree from Davidson College in 1954 and in 1957 he graduated from Vanderbilt University's Divinity School. While at Divinity School Winston served as intern pastor at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville. He received his ordination certificate from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1957.

Upon graduating he was called to Paris, TN, to minister at the First Christian Church where he remained until 1964. He and his family then moved to Richmond, VA, when he was called to serve at Seventh Street Christian Church where he served for 16 years.

After leaving Seventh Street, he worked as a grief counselor with Bennett Funeral Home in Richmond. During that time he also served part-time as minister at Gilboa Christian Church in Cuckoo, VA.

In 1987 Winston was called to Philippi Christian Church in Deltaville VA where he served joyfully until he retired in 1994 to enjoy time with his family, friends, sailing, boating, reading and traveling.

Winston was a kind, generous and gentle soul and knew no strangers. He was an incredible listener and understood how to guide without the need to control. He was a huge outdoor enthusiast and spent many hours and days hiking, canoeing, and camping. He became the Camp Director at Craig Springs Camp and Retreat where his children went to camp every summer. He taught outdoor and camping skills to teenagers and counselors. He also trained other ministers in canoeing, outdoor and camping skills.

He was involved with the National Counsel of Churches, attending a number of conferences. Winston also became a Disciple of Christ representative with the Council on Christian Unity (COCU) which worked to foster an ecumenical spirit and promote interdenominational Christian unity. He also helped in the development and served on the board of Bay Aging in Middlesex County.

Winston was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Winston Wright Sr., his mother Nona Huffine Wright, half brother Harold Wright and his children Douglas, Don, and Gwyn Wright; also his half brother William Wright.

He is survived by his loving wife Sandra Smith Wright, his children Lewis Winston Wright III (Anne), Laura Louise Carnal, and Roger Thomas Wright as well as their mother Nancy Holt Garver; his grandchildren Abram Harris, Stewart Parrish (Maegan), Jennifer Wright, Andrew Wright, and Ty Wright. He also left behind his step-children Kimberley Anne Young, Diane Young Volinsky (John), and Keith Russell Young; his step-grandchildren Kai Bailey, Ethan Volinsky, Ellen Alford (Ben) (step-great-grandson Winston) , Grace Volinsky, Daes Farris, and Jack Volinsky. His grand-dog Lucy will also miss him terribly.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 8th, 2023 at 4:00 pm at the Deltaville Maritime Museum pavilion, 287 Jackson Creek Road, Deltaville. All are welcome to attend.

In remembrance of this incredible man and his inspiring life, you may wish to donate to Hands Across Middlesex, 7485 General Puller Highway, Locust Hill, VA 23092, handsxmdx@gmail.com; Chesapeake Bay Foundation, P.O. Box 17445, Baltimore, MD 21298-8268; Deltaville Maritime Museum, 287 Jackson Creek Rd, Deltaville, VA 23043 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by, Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda, VA

www.faulknerfuneralhcs.com