Charles E. Wright, Jr.
August 01, 1945 - January 30, 2018
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Charles E. Wright, Jr.
August 01, 1945 - January 30, 2018
Obituary
Charlie wright, dentist and avid outdoorsman, died on tuesday in charleston. He was 72.
The cause was pulmonary embolism following routine surgery.
Charlie loved mountains and the rivers that run through them. He was most at home rafting the new and gauley rivers, skiing at canaan valley, timberline, white grass, and dolly sods, or relaxing on the kanawha river. His annual pilgrimage to the salmon river in idaho brought him closest to religious experience. His love of the outdoors was infectious, as his sons, his friends, and many boy scouts knew. He planned great trips, he was an engaging and fearless guide, and knew how to get into and out of trouble in ways that made for great stories around the campfire. After retiring from 40 years of providing dental care to several generations of charlestonians, charlie’s love of the water became a full-time passion when he bought an old lobster boat and restored it from the beams up, teaching himself wood-working along the way. The name he chose for the boat perfectly summed up charlie’s approach to life: he fully appreciated that you only live once and made sure his chance was full of adventure and good friends.
Charles ermen wright, jr. Was born august 1, 1945, in charleston to the former katherine amos (a school teacher) and charles ermen wright (a colonel in the united states army). He earned bachelor’s and doctor of dental surgery degrees from west virginia university. He then set up his dental practice in south hills, close to his childhood home, where he helped a lot of people overcome their fear of dentists.
He is survived by his wife bernadine wright, his two sons charles (marni) of seattle and andy (willow) of alexandria, va, his step-son robert turley of salt lake city, his sister karen readshaw (ron) of charleston, four grandchildren, two dogs, and many friends. We will miss his warm smile, generous heart, deep thoughts, stubborn persistence, irreverence, and nose for adventure.
A celebration of charlie’s life will be held later this year at a time and place to be determined. Memorial donations can be made to the kanawha-charleston humane association or the boy scouts of america, buckskin council. Condolences to the family may be sent through barlow bonsall funeral home in charleston.
8 responses to Charles E. Wright, Jr.
Cort Doughty says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Friend
Location: San Jose California
Dear Wright Family,
The Doughty Family(My Father, Harry), Mother (Evelyn) And Brother(John)Go A Long Way Back In Close Friendships With The Wrights. So Many Fond Memories Of Visits With Charlie’S Parents During The 40’S, 50’S And 60’S And Watching Charlie Become The Fine Professional That He Was–And Well As A Wonderful Personality. He Obviously Lived A Wonderful Life. He And The Wright Family Will Remain In Our Prayers Always.
Fondly,
Cort Doughty
John Doughty says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Good Friend
Location: Hoschton Georgia
Charlie Was A Boyhood Friend Of Mine Ever Since I Can Remember. We Used To Play In His Backyard For Hours Including Touch Football, High Jumping And Once Tried Snow Skiing. We Went On Beach Trips With Our Families To Myrtle Beach And Spent Time On Elk River. His Parents Were Like Family To Me And I Called Them Aunt Kattie And Uncle Erman. Charlie Was Smart, Very Likable And Fun To Be Around.
After College, I Moved To Atlanta And Saw Him A Few Times Over The Years. He Was Very Kind To My Parents And Took Care Of Their Dental Needs.
Sincere Condolences To Karen And The Wright Family.
With Deepest Sympathy,
John Doughty
Barb & Roger Simpkins says:
August 10, 2021
Relationship: Friend/Patient
Location: Cross Lanes West Virginia
We Were So Sad To Learn Of Charlie’S Passing. Roger Went To High School With Charlie Which Lead To Our Becoming His Patients. I Never Minded Going To The Dentist Again! I Enjoyed Seeing Charlie’S Smile And Friendliness At Each Visit. Rip Charlie – You Will Be Terribly Missed.
Lorena Surber Dds says:
August 10, 2021
Location: Charleston West Virginia
Our Deepest Sympathy To Your Family During This Difficult Time.
Dr. Surber & Nelson & Staff
Ann & Arnold Parrish says:
August 10, 2021
Location: West Virginia
Sending Our Sympathy To Charlie’S Family. We Only Met Once A Dozen Or So Years Ago At A Mutual Friend’S Birthday Celebration In Canaan Valley. In Our Conversation We Learned Of His Boating Enthusiasm – One Shared By Our Late Cousin, Mike Crouch. Our Valley Friends Are Saddened And He Will Be Sorely Missed. May The Wonderful Memories Bring Peace And Comfort.