Robert Wright's Obituary
Robert Wright Obituary
Robert Wright was born on January 7, 1941, in Schlater, Mississippi, to Mose and Elizabeth Smith Wright. He was the nth child of Mose and the 7th child of Elizabeth. Mose had four children from a previous marriage. During his birth, he received the first of his many blessings. According to his late sister, Hallie Parker, he was born a "breech" baby (feet first). He liked to say he hit the ground running.
Robert was introduced to Christianity at a young age by his father, who was a foot stomping, fire and brimstone preacher. He accepted Christ under the leadership of Elder Charles Goodwin in the early 1960s and carried his faith throughout his life. His first formal education began at Money Elementary School. Robert didn't like school and told his mom that he was going to give his books back to the teacher. Being a former teacher, his mom made him keep his books.
In 1955, after a tragic event, Robert's family relocated to Summit, Illinois. He graduated from Graves Junior High School in 1956 and attended Argo Community High School before leaving during his junior year to join the U.S. Army. Although he initially struggled with the Army entrance exam, Robert persevered and was drafted. He trained with C. Battery, 2nd Howitzer Battalion, 35th Artillery Regiment, serving as a crewman and gunner on a 155mm howitzer. He completed his two-year tour with honor and was discharged in 1961 at the rank of Specialist Fourth Class. During that time, he also earned his GED, fulfilling his promise to continue his education.
After his military service, Robert worked as a mailman in Summit, Illinois, before pursuing higher education. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, he attended Bogan Community College and Central YMCA Community College, graduating in 1968. He later transferred to Dominican College in Racine, Wisconsin, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. In 1973, encouraged by his brother Willie, Robert returned to military service through the
U.S. Army Reserves. He trained as a Milita1y Policeman before transferring to the 910th Military Intelligence Company, 138th Military Intelligence Battalion. Over the years, he trained as an Intelligence Analyst, Interrogator, and Imagery Analyst, and was later selected to attend the 5th Army Intelligence Center and School, where he became a Counterintelligence Special Agent. His dedication and leadership earned him a commission as a Warrant Officer, where he supervised and trained Counterintelligence Special Agents. Robert retired from the Army Reserves in 1994 with the distinguished rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW04).
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