Our Dad, Hubert G. Wright, “Beefy” to all who knew and loved him, passed away from this life on August 13, 2011 at Hospice Home of High Point. He was 82 years young.

Dad was born in High Point, North Carolina on April 10, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas C. Wright and Clara Kennedy Wright, with whom he grew up along with his sister Mary Wright Coltrane (Joe Coltrane). He met our mother, Ruby Cashion Wright and her brother, L.G. Cashion, Jr., while in high school. Our Dad and Mother were happily married for 62 years, having four children; Pam Kennedy (Bruce) of Florida, Terri Nathanson (Marc) of Massachusetts, Ted Wright of Florida, and Tommy Wright (Petey) of Florida, all of whom he was very proud.

Dad graduated from Allen Jay High School, Guilford College, and later received his masters degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dad started his teaching career in Barnesville, North Carolina, and later coached girls and boys basketball, track, football, and baseball at Allen Jay High School. In 1956, Mom and Dad moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he continued his coaching career, first, at Rogers Junior High School, and later accepting a coaching position at Broward Junior College. In 1964, he became the head baseball coach at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, Florida where he also taught physical education and teacher preparation classes. During his illness, players called to share with us how he influenced their lives both on and off the playing field, and instilled in them a sense of team work and integrity that they would carry throughout their lives.

Dad had a great love of children of all ages and a huge desire to promote and organize recreational sports. While living in Tampa, he was instrumental in developing the Little League complex in Temple Terrace, and he coached teams at many different levels. The players and coaches alike benefited from his expertise and knowledge of the sport.

Upon retirement, Dad and our mom moved back to High Point where this transition was made easier by his beloved family, devoted high school and college friends, and members of the Springfield Friends Meeting. During his retirement, Dad thoroughly enjoyed watching his North Carolina Tar Heels as well as college and professional sports. For all those who knew him, he will be remembered as a walking encyclopedia of sporting statistics (past and present), sports history, and sports trivia. He enjoyed friendly poker games with his good buddies, and with mom, also enjoyed weekly social gatherings with their devoted friends.

Dad will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren; Steven Kennedy, Scott Kennedy (Kimberly), T.J., Cashion, Sean, and Shannon Wright, three great grandchildren; Thomas, Gavin, and William, and four nephews; Clark Coltrane (Denise), Mike Coltrane (Kathy), Greg Coltrane, and Joel Coltrane.

Bless you dad and remember to touch all the bases.

Dad’s life and precious memories will be celebrated at Springfield Friends Meeting, 555 East Springfield Road, High Point North Carolina, 27263, on Monday, August 15, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will follow the celebration in the church Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Home at High Point, 1803 Westchester Drive, High Point, North Carolina, 27262, or to the Springfield Friends Meeting budget fund.