Charles Kenneth Wright

Charles Kenneth Wright past away on Thursday, August 15, 2019. He is survived by his daughter Nancy V. Wright. He was predeceased by his wife Dianne H. Wright. Ken’s father was a tenant farmer and the family’s struggle through the great depression shaped his beliefs about America. He hitchhiked into town each day and parked cars at a rental parking lot. That begin his love affair with automobiles which stayed with him throughout his life. He served in the US military in World War II and after returning home established Rent-A-Car Company Inc. as an Avis licensee with 20 cars for rental and lease. That company grew to 13 locations including 9 in Virginia, 2 in Maryland and 2 in Delaware. He later expanded to truck rentals and to sale of used vehicles. Ken’s business activities were supported by a team of dedicated and hard-working staff. They included Audrey Pape, Jesse O’Quinn, Wayne Tyree, Hazel Kennedy Williams and James Stallings. Their relationship was much more than employment. One employee stated: “Mr. Wright told me that hard work and honesty would carry me far towards reaching my personal goals. I never doubted that he was right, and I thank him for all the guidance and tutelage over the years.” Mr. Wright’s commitment to his employees was reflected in his establishing an ESOP that resulted in significant benefits to employees in later years when the company was sold. Ken was always interested in helping young people. He valued the benefit of a college education and wanted to to encourage young people to seek college education. He established a private scholarship program which was named Wright Scholars. He identified and interviewed students himself and then awarded scholarships. Fisnic Hasani, one of the original Wright Scholars, said “I don’t have enough words to describe what Mr. and Mrs. Wright meant to me and my family. The Wrights are truly great people.“ Ken sold his company in 1999 and began his second career as a philanthropist. He joined the Board of VCU Engineering School where he served for 15 years. He formed what is now known as the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Foundation which has made substantial grants over the years and will continue to make grants following Ken’s wishes. In April 2002, Ken and Dianne made a major grant to the VCU Engineering School to assist in funding construction of the initial engineering school facility. That was followed by a significant grant for scholarships at the Engineering School to be known Wright Scholars. Ken also made a transformational grant toward development and operations for what is now known as the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research at VCU, which provides infrastructure and resources that promote interdisciplinary human health research. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, MCV Foundation, Box 980234, Richmond, Va. 23298.