John Sherman Wright, age 71, of Vinton, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the Holzer Medical Center in Jackson, Ohio. He was born Sept. 5, 1947 in Letcher County, Kentucky to Sherman Andrew Wright and Morene Bentley Wright. John was a graduate of Wellston High School with the Class of 1967. He retired from Southern Ohio Coal Company/AEP, where he was employed for 35 years.
John was a workaholic, but family time was important to him and he always made it a priority. He enjoyed talking to others, and often used that opportunity to witness about his faith in God. A generous person, John was always willing to help people however he could. He was a member of the Ewington Church of Christ in Christian Union.
John is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Billijean Geer Wright; son, Sherman Lorain Wright (Diana) of Williamsport, Oh.; grandchildren, Joshua Tyler Ware of Oak Hill, Jessica Nicole Ware of Flatwoods, Ky., Kiersten Nichole Wright of Williamsport, and Alivia Jean Wright of Williamsport; mother, Morene Wright of Wellston; sisters, Anita Johnson (James) of Wellston, Audrey Ballenger (Mark) of Jackson, and Janet Jones (Mike) of Wellston; mother-in-law, Pauline Geer of Wellston; brothers-in-law, Terry Geer (Carolyn) of Wellston and Gene Geer (Linda) of Wellston; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of close friends.
John was preceded in death by his father, Sherman Wright; daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Johnny Ware; father-in-law, Merrill Geer; and brother-in-law, Wesley Geer.
Calling hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Saturday at 12 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor David Greer and Pastor Dave Stulley officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, family members request contributions in John’s memory be given to the Ewington Church of Christ in Christian Union – 176 Ewington Road, Vinton, Ohio 45686. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com