Richard Burl Wright

Richard Burl Wright, age 75, of Hot Springs, passed away on Friday, October 28, 2022.

He was born on May 20, 1947, in Hot Springs, the son of Obert Joseph Wright and Eula Oma Pennington Wright.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Billie Egleston, Bennie Weatherford, and Carmeletta Miles.  On September 1, 1971, Richard married the true love of his life, Sylvia Louise Stockton.   

Richard served for over thirty years in the United States Air National Guard, 223^rd Unit, Hot Springs, where he became Tech Sergeant, working in communications until his retirement. In addition, he simultaneously had a long career with AT&T for more than 30 years, while gaining many of his best friends. 

Richard was Church of Christ in his faith, and in his younger years, enjoyed dirt track stock car racing. He also enjoyed fishing, but his lifelong true passion was deer and turkey hunting.  He especially loved taking each of his grandchildren to his deer camp, where he would share with them his avid joy for spending time outdoors and teaching them his hunting expertise “outlawing” and maybe a few secrets and tips along the way.   

Richard was a wonderful husband, father, Paw-Paw and brother, who loved his family with all his heart.  He has left his family with so many special memories, such as his love for Miracle Whip sandwiches, always making sure he put ketchup on pretty much everything he ate, even his fried eggs and how he always ate his desserts first prior to the meal and often would sneak and eat another desert following the meal. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Wright of Hot Springs; his son and daughter-in-law, Robbie and Dana Wright of Springdale; his daughter and son-in-law, Trena and Chad Slaughter of Benton; his grandchildren and their spouses, Roman Saxon and Jami Wright, Dalton Cole Wright, Britton Lashley, Camden Lashley, Bella Alexandra and Sage White and Braxton Reid Slaughter; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Doyle Shields of Cabot; his special best friend, his Morkie, who was always right by his side, who he took everywhere he went, Angel Grace Wright of Hot Springs; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 2, 2022, in the Glenwood Church of Christ with Harold Vaughn and John Hall officiating.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, prior to the services at the church.

Interment will be in the Grants Chapel Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honors Team.

Pallbearers will be Robbie Wright, Braxton Slaughter, Roman Wright, Dalton Wright, Chad Slaughter and Sage White.

Honorary pallbearers will be Doyle Shields, Joe Egleston, Ted Egleston, David Egleston, Larry Weatherford, Kelly Duggan, Eddie Shields, Denny Jester, Gary Leon Story and Paul Killingsworth.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Timothy English, Hospice Care of Hot Springs, the staff of The Golden Years, Justin and Anna Phillips, and his special caregiver, Theresa Stanford.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com