Joe Wright
February 6, 1933 — May 20, 2019
Joe Wright
Joe Carrol Wright left this life on May 20, 2019 after an extended battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born February 6, 1933 in Benton, Arkansas to Bun Phillip Wright and Glennie Grogan Wright, growing up in the community of Sardis, AR on a farm with brothers, the late John D. (Jeanne) and late Doyle B. (Jan). Survived by wife, Mary Katherine Sim (married 1953) father of Allen Glen (Deborah), Daniel Richard (Ellen), Cara Jo Smith and Harold Wayne Wright (Tracey). Grandfather of Benjamin and Christopher [Allen], Joseph and Claire [Daniel], Rachel and Phillip [Cara], Justin, Katie, Alex, Cairo [Harold]. Great-grandfather of Elijah, Charles [Benjamin] and Dillon, Michael, Jason [Christopher]. One of the great joys of his life were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dr. Wright graduated from Benton High School in 1950 where he played football and basketball. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Ouachita Baptist College in Chemistry in 1954. After graduation he served in the 47th Infantry Regiment in the U.S. Army and in the National Guard 142nd Artillery Group attaining the rank of Captain. On completion of his military service he taught math and science at Lonoke, AR Junior High School then attended the University of Arkansas where he earned MS (1962) and PhD (1966) degrees in Physical Organic Chemistry under the late Professor Arthur Fry.
He was a gifted educator who loved teaching. After finishing his research at the UofA, he joined the faculty at Mobile College, Mobile, AL as Professor of Chemistry, 1964-66. He moved to Henderson State (Teachers College) University, Arkadelphia, AR as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry in 1966 where he served for 32 years in expanding roles including Dean of the School of Science and Math then Dean of the Ellis College of Arts and Sciences. During his tenure at HSU, Dr. Wright's leadership was integral in expanding the number of faculty in the chemistry department and establishing both the Aviation and Nursing degree programs. When the Aviation program was established, it was the only program of its kind in the state of Arkansas where graduates earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation. In addition to starting new academic programs, he twice oversaw the expansion of the Science Building, with two expansions of the laboratory and teaching spaces for Physics, Biology and Chemistry. One of his true loves was to teach in the classroom. Even when he was in higher administrative positions, he insisted on teaching classes each semester that included Earth and Physical Science. He was a 60-year member of the American Chemical Society, past president of the local ACS chapter and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Dr. Wright was a member, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon of the First Baptist Church Arkadelphia. He served on the City of Arkadelphia Long Range Planning Committee and Airport Commission. After retiring to Benton, AR he was a member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, Benton.
Visitation will be held 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 28, with memorial service following at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Benton.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Joe C. Wright Chemistry Scholarship at Henderson State University, HSU Foundation, Box 540, Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
211 South Market Street
Benton, AR, 72015
211 South Market Street
Benton, AR, 72015
Dr. Wright graduated from Benton High School in 1950 where he played football and basketball. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Ouachita Baptist College in Chemistry in 1954. After graduation he served in the 47th Infantry Regiment in the U.S. Army and in the National Guard 142nd Artillery Group attaining the rank of Captain. On completion of his military service he taught math and science at Lonoke, AR Junior High School then attended the University of Arkansas where he earned MS (1962) and PhD (1966) degrees in Physical Organic Chemistry under the late Professor Arthur Fry.
He was a gifted educator who loved teaching. After finishing his research at the UofA, he joined the faculty at Mobile College, Mobile, AL as Professor of Chemistry, 1964-66. He moved to Henderson State (Teachers College) University, Arkadelphia, AR as Chairman of the Department of Chemistry in 1966 where he served for 32 years in expanding roles including Dean of the School of Science and Math then Dean of the Ellis College of Arts and Sciences. During his tenure at HSU, Dr. Wright's leadership was integral in expanding the number of faculty in the chemistry department and establishing both the Aviation and Nursing degree programs. When the Aviation program was established, it was the only program of its kind in the state of Arkansas where graduates earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation. In addition to starting new academic programs, he twice oversaw the expansion of the Science Building, with two expansions of the laboratory and teaching spaces for Physics, Biology and Chemistry. One of his true loves was to teach in the classroom. Even when he was in higher administrative positions, he insisted on teaching classes each semester that included Earth and Physical Science. He was a 60-year member of the American Chemical Society, past president of the local ACS chapter and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Dr. Wright was a member, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon of the First Baptist Church Arkadelphia. He served on the City of Arkadelphia Long Range Planning Committee and Airport Commission. After retiring to Benton, AR he was a member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, Benton.
Visitation will be held 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 28, with memorial service following at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Benton.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Joe C. Wright Chemistry Scholarship at Henderson State University, HSU Foundation, Box 540, Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Visitation
MAY 28. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
First Baptist Church211 South Market Street
Benton, AR, 72015
Funeral Service
MAY 28. 11:00 AM (CDT)
First Baptist Church211 South Market Street
Benton, AR, 72015
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