Paul Howard (Nick) Wright

Paul Howard (Nick) Wright, age 72, of Murphy, NC passed away Thursday, July 1, 2010 at the Murphy Medical Center in Murphy, NC.

Paul was born October 12, 1937 in Au Sable Forks, New York to the late Homer and Madeline Rhino Wright.

Paul joined the Marine Corp. in 1956 and served 14 years, serving in Japan and also serving two years and two tours in VietNam including battles in Chu Lai Vietnam, Operation Kentucky, RVN, Operation Neosho, RVN, Operation against the Viet Cong in the Hue/Phu Bai area, RVN, Operations against the aggressive communist forces in the Quang Tri area RVN while serving with the 4th CAG III MAF. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

Pauls awards during his years in the Marine Corps. were: Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Navy Unit Commandation Ribbon with one Bronze Star; Marine Corps Good Conduct medal with 2 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star and one Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal-Foreign, Republic of Vietnam MUC Gallantry Cross-Foreign.  On June 2, 2001 the United States flag was flown over the US Capitol at the request of the honorable Charles H. Taylor (member of congress). The flag was presented to Paul Wright on June 25, 2001.

Paul studied criminal law for two years after his military career and received an electronics degree at Tri County Community College in Radio and TV. He retired from Dickey Supply in 2000 after 14 years of service.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Wallace Wright and Bob Wright and two sisters, Trish Shambo and Janice Miller.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Seabolt Wright; two sons, Trent Wright and his wife Debbie of Enfield, CT and Jimmy Wright of Murphy, NC; two daughters, Cindy Buchanan and her husband Dwayne of Murphy, NC and Marilyn Morrill and her husband Al of Aledo, TX; nine sisters, Evie Walton, Beana Whisher, Carol Whisher, Bertie Furnia, Maude Kennedy, Anne Cross, Mary Whitney and Goldie Lozier all of New York, NY and Dorothy Laso of Harrisonburg, VA; three granddaughters, Kristin, Melissa and Adena Wright and grandson, Nicholas Wright; one great grandchild, Codie Rhea Burnette; two step grandchildren Wesley Buchanan and David Worley and several nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service was held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, July 4, 2010 at the Hiwassee Baptist Church Cemetery in Murphy, NC.with military graveside rites conducted by the VFW Post, #10222, Joe Miller Elkin American Legion Post #96 and D.A.V. Chapter #73, Hayesville American Legion Post 532 and Hayesville VFW Post 6812 (Allison-Bristol). Rev. Calvin Murphy, Dr. Eddis Dockery and Pastor Jim Beasley officiated. Pallbearers were Bill Rau, Michael Seabolt, Dennis Earwood, Ricky Graham, Frank Dickey and Donald Ware. Honorary pallbearers were Ab Radford, Billy Hugh Johnson, David Worley, Wesley Buchanan, Allen Moore, Mike Worley and Dwayne Carswell.

The family received friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday, July 3, 2010 at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy, NC.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hiawassee Baptist Church Building Fund, Murphy, NC 28906.

You may send tributes to the Wright family at www.mem.com or view other obits at www.townson-rose.com

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.