Rocky Wright (Wendell)

Rocky Wright (Wendell) was born in Hartley, Kentucky on January 20, 1941 and passed away in Ionia, Michigan on June 2, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Opal Wright, his wife Vicki of 51 years, brother George, sisters Gayle, Marie and Faye. He is survived by his daughters, Pam Leland (Mike) and Terri Perron (Joe), 5 grandkids, Wendy Milstein (Mike), Kenny Jackson (Victoria), Raymond Perron (Bea), Andrea Perron and Matthew Perron, and 4 great grandkids, Jacob, Chloe, Xander and Mitchell. He is also survived by his twin sister Juanita Hampton, brother Chester Wright, and his wife, Suzetta Tackett Wright.

Rocky was raised in the coal mining town of Weeksbury, Kentucky. He lost his mom at an early age and at the age of 15, he hitchhiked to Michigan for a better life. He worked as a cook for Howard Johnson’s and then at Home Dairy where he met his wife, Vicki. He was hired into Fisher Body and finished his career as a supervisor at Oldsmobile. He was a ‘Jack of all trades’ and loved to do projects for others. He was very talented in woodworking in particular. He was especially proud of being on a team that designed and built the Fisher Body Coach that is now on display in the Detroit Historical Museum.

Rocky was a people person and rarely went anywhere without knowing someone there. He loved people and telling stories. He was always ready for a party with as many friends as he could fit into a room. He had many Rockyisms and if you knew him, you would be able to rattle some off yourself. He was an amazing cook and loved to share. From biscuits and gravy to chicken and dumplings, he couldn’t be beat. He was happiest amongst friends, especially those at Long Lake in Ionia, those in Riverbreeze Estates in Ruskin Florida, and his best friend, Joe Lopez. Rocky would not want us to be sad, but would rather we all raise a glass, say ‘Sweet Jesus’ and make a toast in his honor. Cheers! We will all miss you!

The family would like to thank the entire amazing staff at Green Acres in Ionia as well as the Hospice team for the loving care of our Dad and Papa.

A visitation for Rocky will be held Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Tiffany Chapel 3232 W. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48917. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 at 1:00pm with a visitation one hour prior at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Tiffany Chapel. A private family burial will follow at DeepDale Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: 22qties Unite P.O. Box 2254 Fontana, California 92334