John "Pete" Gordon Wright

John Gordon Wright, age 84, of Pittsboro, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on December 22, 2024, at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, NC. 

Pete (as most friends and family called him) was born March 6, 1940, in McDowell County, NC to the late Horton Earl Wright, Sr. and the late Edith Guyton Wright Jones. He spent most of his life residing in Chatham County. He also spent several years growing up in Marion, NC., where he returned frequently throughout his lifetime.  Pete had a dream of one day being able to move back to Marion, the place he loved so deeply. During his last days here on earth, as we sat by his side, holding his hand, caring for him, making sure he felt our love, we shared in his dream as we listened to him building the home he longed for in the mountains. One of the memories we will cherish forever.

Pete graduated from Silk Hope High School, class of 1958. Pete was a hardworking man all his life with a very strong work ethic. He had 20 years of service with Welford Harris Ford Company. He had 20 years of service with UNC Chapel Hill Athletic and Maintenance Departments. During his retirement, he spent several years working with NC DOT, Hillcrest Cabinet Shop, and Lowe’s Home Improvement Store.
 
When Pete was not working his day job, you could always find him working on a project in his garage with his friends Ronnie Johnson, Michael Burke and others; or taking trips to car shows, parts exhibitions or traveling around the country to pick up another car, truck to restore. He had a great love for restoring vintage cars and trucks.  He was a long-time member of the Chatham Street Rod Association, Siler City, NC. He also had a great love for racing. He attended many NASCAR Racing events for many years.  When he spent time resting from a hard day of work, you could always find him watching an old Western show on TV in his favorite recliner and always had one of his cats or dogs sleeping his arms.      
 
John (Pete) was preceded in death by his parents Horton and Edith Wright; brother Junior Wright, and his loving wife for 52 years, Ann Wheeler Wright.
 
Surviving relatives are:  son, Tony Gordon Wright (Diane) of Siler City, daughter, Tammy Wright Bass (Keith) of Wilson, son, Kelly Dwayne Wright (Leesa) of Pittsboro, grandchildren, Morgan Wright Bare (Jacob), Hunter Bass (Jada), Jordan Wright Riggins (Casey), Kendall Wright, Gracie Wright. Four great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Bare, Weston Riggins, Canaan Bare, Levi Bare.  One brother, Joe Wright (Lois).  Sister in laws; Catherine Wright, Ava Lee Brower. Step grandchildren, Brittany Cobb (Austin), Jessica McNeill; Step great grandchildren Evelyn Tiller, Rylee Tiller, Lily Tiller, Madilynn Cobb, Sophie Cobb, Sadie Cobb. Many nieces and nephews. A very dear friend, Lynda Ladd of Siler City, NC.   
 
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, January 4, 2025, in the church cemetery at New Salem Baptist Church at 1:00 pm with Pastor Chris Gambos residing.
 
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to New Salem Church General Fund, 5030 Old Graham Road, Pittsboro, NC  27312, in memory of John (Pete) Gordon Wright. 

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the care provided to our Dad by the staff of Ramseur Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Wright family.