William Butler "Bill" Wright

William “Bill” Wright, born in the fall of 1940 passed peacefully from this earth November 22, 2023. He was born at Crawford Long Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Bill is a 1958 graduate of Southwest DeKalb high school. He attended the University of Georgia in 1959 through 1961 and married Lee Bennett Wright, August 28, 1965. Bill was also a proud member of the Air Force reserves during the early 1960’s.

Bill joined his father at Orkin Pest control and then moved to join Arrow Exterminators. He was instrumental in their expansion plans managing their first branch in the early 1980s. He served in the Georgia Pest Control Association in various capacities throughout his career.

After retirement, he and Lee moved to Athens where he was an usher for UGA athletics and an active member of the Athens Monday Morning Quarterback Club. Bill also enjoyed a friendship with a close group at the Five Points Waffle House. A lifelong Bulldog and member of the DeKalb Bulldog Club included service as President for several stints.

Bill was a notorious practical joker, an avid fisherman, a dog lover and an expert pimento cheese and pecan pie maker.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Augustus Butler and Martha Avon Wright and his brother, John Randolph Wright. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Lee, his daughters, Wendy Risse (Gary) of Laramie, Wyoming Shelby Whitlock (Ron) of Atlanta, brother-in-law, Tommy Bennett (Dan Oberg), sister-in-law, Mary Lynn Wright, niece Heidi Puett (Brian), nephew, Jim Wright (Hayden) and many many cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 27, at 11:00 a.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alexander “Luke” Hawk memorial scholarship at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. To donate, please visit https://www.abac.edu/give. Under “Designation,” choose “Other” and type in “Luke Hawk Scholarship.”

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.