Stone Bros. Funeral Home and Chapel | FL

Obituary For William Otis Wright

William Otis Wright was born on April 25, 1943 in Vero Beach, FL and departed this earthly life on February 13, 2022. His parents were the late Estella Johnson and John Lee Wright and was the oldest of five siblings. He attended Gifford High School where he obtained his diploma in 1962. He played football where he was nicknamed “Pony” and ran track and was a member of Future Educators of America. He was drafted in the United States Army while attending Florida A&M University. After serving his tour of duty in the Vietnam War, he returned to Florida A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education specializing in Mathematics. In 1970, William, affectionately known as Roy, returned to Indian River County where he was hired as an Algebra teacher for the Indian River County School District where he taught for 31 years until his retirement in 2001. On November 24, 1972, he married the love of his life, Verna. They have been joined in holy matrimony for 49 years.

He had a passion for fishing, watching football and westerns, gardening, hitting golf balls, studying the word of God, all things involving his beloved FAMU Rattlers and anything involving spending time with his grandkids. His was known for his quick-wit, no nonsense demeanor, his kind and compassionate spirit, his vast knowledge of complex mathematics and being a man of little words. Mr. Wright was a highly respected and revered educator throughout Indian River County.

During his career Roy received various honors including Dollars for Scholars Apple Award recipient, Mighty Class of 1974 Honorary Teacher and the Special Service Award from the State of Florida Parks and Services.

Mr. Wright was raised as a Christian and a faithful church member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. all his young and adult life. He attended church constantly with his grandfather Frank Brown. Mr. Wright was an active member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church serving as trustee and a member of the finance committee. He passed on his love of God to his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Lee Wright, his mother Estella Johnson and his brother Major J. Johnson. Left to cherish his precious memories: his beloved wife, Verna Wright. Children: One son, Anthony (Sharon) Simmons, Sr., Three daughters: Raquel Wright, Kimberly Wright and Nichelle (Timothy) Rains all of Vero Beach, FL. Siblings: Sisters. Indell Johnson of Orlando, FL and Linda Pompee of Tampa, FL and one brother, Terrance (Veronica) Johnson of Orlando, FL. One loving brother-in-law, Tony D. Bridgewater of Hinesville, GA. Nine grandchildren: Amaya, Kalani, Kamara, Treysen, Carter, Miranda, Jasmine, Anthony Jr. and Jauhvierh. 12 great-grands and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and coworkers. Godchildren, Jimita (Mark) Johnson-Jones and Ellis Culmer. Special caregiver and friend, Amanda White.

Roy was bright spark in this world, touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed by all. He was a strong, courageous , God-fearing man of God. His legacy will live on thorough all of them.

Public visitation for William Wright will take place on Friday, February 18, 2022 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel in Vero Beach, FL. Funeral services will convene on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Mount Zion AME Church in Vero Beach, FL beginning at 10:00am. Burial will immediately follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID-19 have been relaxed, we at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 feet social distancing guidelines as well.

Guest Book

May the Lord fold you in his arms and dry your tears. The embrace of your loved one in word, deed and love will last your lifetime. You will always remember the whispers of love for each other. The unspoken words of kindness you had for each other that only you knew. To you and the children memories will take on a new and different meaning and you will understand what you just couldn't seem to get. Leave space in your heart for laughter through the heartache. My love to you and family. Carolyn Ann Broxton Peppers.

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Mrs Wright you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers!! I wish Ellis and I could have made the trip over but know I will always make sure he remember how he was loved by his god father 🥲❤️! I love you guys and pray the peace of The Holy Spirit be with you now and always!! Mrs Tracy Culmer Eleuthera Bahamas

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Our Heartfelt Condolences to Mrs.Verna Wright , Your Children, Family, Church Family and Loved Ones, As well as to Mr. Wright's Sister, Ms. Indell Johnson and Siblings, Family and Loved Ones. May Our God of All Comfort Grant You All His Peace at this very difficult time. May God Bless and Keep You All, Always and Rest Peacefully in Heavenly Places Mr. Wright; Our Fellow Rattler and FAMULY!!! Sincerely and With Sympathy, Vivian D. Bryant and Family

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To our cousin, Verna: We send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband. Please know that you and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest in Heaven, Roy. We love you, but God loves you best. The Myrick Family – Wabasso, Florida

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With deepest sympathy Alma Dixon

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Stone Bros. Funeral Home and Chapel | FL