William C. Wright

A memorial service for William C. “Bill” Wright, 70, will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at 2:00PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler. Tributes to Bill’s well lived, honorable life will be given by George Barron, Bishop David Azenabor of Nigeria, Jim Hahn of Trinity Fellowship Church, Judge Cynthia Kent, and Judge Sam Griffith. Bill passed from this life Sunday, October 26, 2014, at Hospice in Tyler and is now resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born on February 18, 1944 in Commerce, Texas. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1962 where he was on the football and basketball teams. Bill graduated from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University at Commerce) in 1966, and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He then attended Baylor Law School, graduating in 1969. Bill began his legal career in Orange, Texas as an assistant district attorney in 1970, then was appointed District Attorney until 1977. Thereafter he went into private practice for 3 years before he was elected District Attorney of Orange County. He served as District Attorney until 1984. Orange County attorneys fondly remember Bill’s tenure for his honorable demeanor, for a nurturing, encouraging management style, and for eschewing the limelight, while always seeking to ensure that true justice prevailed. In one high profile case, a prominent Texas State Senator was appointed as the special prosecutor. The special prosecutor succeeded in getting a conviction and a lengthy prison sentence. Later, evidence clearly exonerating the defendant was discovered. Bill, in the face of withering criticism, filed a Motion for New Trial to permit justice to be done. In light of the new evidence, the case was eventually dismissed, and an innocent person was freed from prison. Bill encouraged every lawyer on his staff at the Orange County District Attorney’s office to “grow to be the best prosecutor they could be.” George Barron, a highly esteemed Orange County trial attorney, described Bill as a “man of integrity” in the office. He and his family later moved to Tyler, where he was a noted criminal defense trial lawyer. He was lead counsel on a number of prominent trials during the 1990’s and early 2000, until a stroke ended his legal career in 2006. Bill was a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Smith County Bar Association. He taught Sunday school for many years. He loved traveling and spending time with his family, fishing, and studying the Bible. He also loved visiting with his friends and helping others. He was preceded in death by his parents Claude Wright and Jean Skeen Wright. Bill is survived by his wife, Brenda Wright of Tyler; his son, Christopher Wright, and his daughter, Sarah Wright, both of Houston; and their mother Mary Ellen Wright; one grandchild, Taryn Wright; and his brother and sister-in- law, Bob and Ebelina Wright of Luling; and many dear friends. If desired, donations may be made to The Good Shepherd R.T.C., 23538 Coons Road, Tomball, Texas, 77377; or the charity of your choice.

William C. Wright

February 28, 1944 - October 26, 2014