William 'Bill' Wright

Memorial Services for William Wright II, will be held at 11:00 a. m. , Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at Gillette Memorial Chapel Kenna Rose officiating. William R. Wright II, 83, died after a courageous battle with cancer, Feb 26, 2015, at his home in Gillette, WY. Bill was born Dec. 31, 1931, to Robert Earl and Velma D. Wright in Gillette, WY. He was raised on the family ranch on Hay Creek and schooled in the Campbell County rural and high schools. In 1949 he quit school and went to work full time at the ranches of his grandfather. In 1950 he met Dolores P. Izzard and they were married July 17, 1950 in Hardin MT. Together they raised 4 boysRodney, William III, Ronald and David. They lived on the family ranch on Hay Creek, until the summer of 1961 when the ranch was leased and later sold. Bill's passion for trucking began as a small child when his mother would find him outside the yard following truck tire tracks which he called "trucker tracks". He bought his first truck in 1948 and hauled feed and fertilizer for the U.S. Government. Bill's father eventually convinced him to return to ranching. In 1962 he bought his 2nd truck which he leased to Bell and Mooney Trucking. In 1971 Bill added another truck to his business and Ron started driving right after graduation. In July 1972 Bill started William R. Wright Trucking. In 1973 Bob began driving for his father after returning home from the Marines. David began driving for Bill in 1974. Soon Rodney joined the firm as their bookkeeper along with his mother. Bill retired from the trucking business three times before it took in 2001. He and Dolores became "tourists", traveling around the country seeing the sights, first in fifth wheels then later their motor home. Bill never lost his joy of being on the road. In Aug. 2009, Dolores, his wife of 59 years, passed away. In 2010, Bill began seeing Betty Duncan, and they both enjoyed traveling the country visiting friends and seeing the sights. They were close companions until Bill's passing. Bill was a 50 year member of Masonic Lodge #28, and a Past Patron of Gentian Chapter 23, and also a Grand Representative of TX in WY Order of the Eastern Star. He was a life member of the Scottish Rite. Bill was a long time member of the Wyoming Trucking Association and a life member of the NRA. Bill is survived by Betty Duncan, his sons, Rodney (Joan) Wright of Milan, MO, their children Christopher(Malinda) of Morencie, AZ , Matthew (Amber) of Green City, MO and Nicholas of Gillette ; William (Sonja)Wright of Gillette, their children, Amanda (Fred Paypay) of Gillette, and Breanna (Marty) Helms of Gillette; Ronald (Lynn) Wright of Gillette and their daughter Mikayla; and David (Evelyn) Wright of Stevensville, Mt, their children, Isaac and Jennifer and 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his sisters, Delores Burns of Paonia, CO, Midge Carson (Ray Jensen) of Gillette and Mary Ellen Davis of The Colony, TX, Grandson in law Jason Michelena and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, his parents and granddaughter Rebekah Michelena. Donations may be made to the Gentian Chapter 23 Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W 5th St, Gillette, WY 82716 or via website: www.gillettememorialchapel.comFuneral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716