Walter “Steve” Wright

Walter “Steve” Wright, 87, of Morganton, transitioned peacefully from his home on earth to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Born in Lincoln County on January 14, 1934, to William “Lloyd” Wright and Estelle Yount Wright, both of whom had gone on before him, Steve was a retired law enforcement officer.

Steve served as an officer with Morganton Police Department during the civil rights riots of the 1960’s. His commitment to fairness and equality was evidenced by the number of citizens in predominantly black neighborhoods who would ask for him by name when they needed assistance. In 1972, he went to work at Western Youth Institution, where he retired as Lead Correctional Officer over the transportation department. Steve grew up attending Salem Methodist Church, was a devoted member of Walker Road Baptist Church for many years and was a member of Central Baptist Church at the time of his passing.

In addition to his parents, Steve was welcomed Home by his wife of 36 years, Kathy Early Wright, his brothers Aaron Wright and Danny Wright, and one great-grandson, Thomas Hamlin.

Left to carry on his legacy of love and laughter are those who called him “Dad,” Ron Richards (Terri) of Charlotte, NC, Pam Chapman of Hildebran, NC, and Kale Wright (Dennis Duffy) of Decatur, GA, those who called him “Paw-Paw,” Meredith Hamlin (Ben) of Grand Rapids, MI, Matt Richards (Maria Kartsaklis) of Charlotte, NC, and Millie Lacy (Ben) of St. Francis, KS, the next generation of Paw-Paw loving children, Jack, William, and Katherine Hamlin, all of Grand Rapids, MI, the best family of cousins a person could ever have, and more friends and loved ones than stars in the sky.

The family will receive friends at Sossoman Funeral Home on Saturday, July 17th at 12:30pm, with a funeral to follow at 2pm in the chapel. Steve will return to his wife’s side as he is interred at Burke Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Amorem (formerly known as Burke Hospice).

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.