John Donald Wright

July 29, 1935 - November 20, 2021

John Donald Wright, of Perryville, was born on July 29, 1935 and deceased on November 20, 2021 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Maudine Wright, and one daughter, Charla Wright Smith (Bobby) of Jackson, TN. Other surviving family members include three grandchildren – Clint Underwood (Tamela) of Collierville, TN, Catherine Underwood of Nashville, TN, and Courtney Underwood of Nashville, TN. Mr. Wright is also survived by one brother, Edgar Alvin Wright (Linda Sue) of Little Rock, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mr. Wright was preceded in death by his father, Asa Alvin Wright, and his mother, Christine Wofford Wright. Also, two sisters – Maxine Baker and Nadine Rose. John graduated from Perryville High School in 1953 and served two years in the US Army from 1955 to 1957. He then served in the Arkansas National Guard from 1957 to 1961. The family moved to Little Rock in 1960, where John was employed with the Little Rock Fire Department for 28 years from 1960 to 1988.During his career as a fire fighter, John served as Hoseman, Driver, Captain, and District Chief. During his tenure, he also served as Little Rock City Fire Marshall and Training Officer. In 1988 John and his wife returned to Perryville following retirement. John served as a part-time instructor of Fire and Safety training for AR Kraft Division Green Bay Packing Company in Morrilton, AR and Winrock International Corporation at Petit Jean Mountain from 1988-1991. He was also instrumental in reviving the Harris Brake Volunteer Fire Department in Perry County during this time. Still not ready to completely retire, John was employed as Safety Supervisor at University of Arkansas at Little Rock for approximately seven years. His responsibilities included fire safety, hazardous chemical disposal, safety training of employees and staff, and maintenance of alarm systems and other fire safety equipment. In 2017, Mr. and Mrs. Wright moved to Jackson, Tennessee to be near their daughter. Funeral services for Mr. Wright will be held at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 10 am. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and family traveling from Tennessee, there will be no visitation prior to the funeral. The Little Rock Fire Department Honor Guard will serve as pall bearers. Mr. Wright will be interred at Hope Cemetery in Perryville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Perryville Second Baptist Church or to Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021, at the Harris Chapel. Burial will be at Hope Cemetery in Perryville. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.