John William Wright was born April 8 ^th , 1925 to his mother Grace in Knox County Tennessee.  He was a typical young boy of the time playing sports and helping his mother until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. John was an excellent gunner's mate aboard the U.S.S. Marshall. He served in both World War II and the Korean War. Honorably discharged from both, he was a true American Patriot for all time. John's home and family life consisted of working as the Circulation Manager for the Knoxville Journal in Knoxville, TN and later became the Chief Operation Officer of the Huntsville Newspaper in Huntsville, AL.  He was a lifelong member of the Masons and Shriners, becoming President of the Atlanta Motor Corp., in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was an avid fund raiser helping raise thousands of dollars for the Danny Thomas Children's Hospital and Shriner's Hospital.  John remained an active member throughout his life. John was highly respected as evidenced by the loving family he and Sammie, wife of 70 years raised and cultivated as well as the numerous friends he made throughout the years. John left us on Friday, February 23 ^rd , 2018 at the age of 92. John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Sammie Ruth Wright. He is survived by son, G. Russell Wright, wife Dawn, son Jeffery M. Wright, wife May, grandchildren, Kara Wright Cox, John Russell Wright, Zane Russell Wright, Samantha Wright, Jeffery Wright and great grandchildren, Grace Marie Cox and Mary Edith Cox.  Greatly Missed, Never Forgotten.  In lieu of flowers please donate to the Shriner's Hospital.  Condolences may be shared with the family thru the online guestbook at www.Lohmanfuneralhomes.com .