ANGIER, NC – Billy Wayne Wright, age 79, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 and his wife LaVene Pritchard Wright, age 78, formerly of Ahoskie, passing away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at the Wake Medical Center of Raleigh, North Carolina.
LaVene was born on April 6, 1942 to the late Julian and Hazel Williford Pritchard in Ahoskie, NC. LaVene worked as a stay-at-home mom and worked many years at Carriage Hill Nursing Home in Fredericksburg, VA.
Billy was born on September 3, 1941 to the late Ed Wright and Dorothy Modlin Baggett in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Billy retired from John McMullen Associates, in Crystal City, VA. JJMA is one of the largest naval architecture firms in the United States, specializing in ship design and marine-related technical consulting.
Billy and LaVene were married on May 19th, 1963 in Ahoskie, NC. After retirement, Billy and LaVene relocated to Murrells Inlet, SC. LaVene enjoyed spending time at the beach with family and friends. Billy enjoyed playing golf. In January 2020, Billy and LaVene relocated to Angier, NC to be closer to their family. Billy and LaVene’s final days were spent together as they prepared for the next chapter in God’s plan. Together as One, Together Always.
Left to cherish Billy and LaVene’s memory is, two daughters, Amy Knick and husband Scott, and Lynne Jennings and husband David; son, Julian Van Wright and wife Cindy; four granddaughters, Ashleigh Jennings, Allison Knick, Kaila Wright, and Jocelyn Wright; grandson, Travis Knick; Billy’s sister, Wanda Perry and brother, Curtis Gibson.
A celebration of life graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at 2:00 pm at the Ahoskie Cemetery, Ahoskie, NC.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Wright family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
I just learned that Billy and LaVene passed away shortly after my last conversation with Billy. He was my first friend when we started spending 9 months at the beach. We played Many rounds of golf together. Billy was the best Christian I knew. He walked and talked the faith
Once he moved we never met again although we talked a lot. Billy will Not be forgotten!!
I too worked with Billy at JJMA. Some 27 years his junior, I enjoyed spend lunch with him at our office lunch table. He even suckered me into buying his old Arnold Palmer golf clubs. We had a coin club and joked regularly. I’m glad he enjoyed retirement. He will be missed.
I worked many years with Billy. He was a friend and was a great coworker. Always had a good joke to make you laugh. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
To the family, I am so sorry for the loss of both your parents. It’s a shock. Prayers & healings to all.
Dear Family – I’m so saddened to hear of the loss of your parents and my dear friends, Billy & LaVene. I met Billy in the fall of 1961 as new Apprentices at NNS&DDCO. My future wife and I drove down to Roanoke Rapids from Gloucester, VA, for their wedding. We became Hull Designers in the same class and our friendship continued and matured since. The last time we spoke, Billy asked me to add LaVene’s name to our church prayer list. We worked together, laughed together and stayed in touch wherever he roamed. To say I’ll miss him is an understatement. I can joyfully say, “See you later, my Friend!”
God Bless the Wright Family and friends. We wish you our sincerest condolences to the Wright Family and friends. We’ll miss our friends Billy and Lavene… We will keep the Wright Family and friends in our thoughts and prayers… Sincerely, Terry and crew at PirateLand
God Bless the Wright Family and friends. We wish you condolences today and the rest of your lives. Billy and Lavene will be in our memories and the family in our prayers. God Bless all of you. Terry and the crew of PirateLand
I am so sorry for your loss. Billy sat next to me in Sunday school every Sunday for years. I know he will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless all of you. It is so hard losing parents.
Lynne, Amy, and family, I am so sorry to hear the news about your Mom and
Dad. They were both truly special people and I am fortunate to have known them. I have such fond memories of all the fun times LaVene and I shared at work and going on “adventures”. Praying that God and your sweet memories of them will sustain you during this difficult time.
I send my sincere condolences to the family. My Dad was Mayo Modlin, the oldest child in Aunt Dorothy”s family. My earliest memories of Billy were when he was 10 and I was 6.Over the years we saw each other at an occasional trip to Grand Mama Modlins or a family reunion. Billy was one of my many first cousins on the Modlin side. You and LaVene will be missed. RIP until we meet again.