Billy Wayne Wright and LaVene Pritchard Wright

Name: Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service
Brand: Garrett-Sykes
SKU: funeral, cremation, family owned, affordable, compassionate
Rating: 4.9 (316 reviews)

Passed Away: December 28, 2020

ANGIER, NC – Billy Wayne Wright, age 79, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 and his wife LaVene Pritchard Wright, age 78, formerly of Ahoskie, passing away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at the Wake Medical Center of Raleigh, North Carolina.

LaVene was born on April 6, 1942 to the late Julian and Hazel Williford Pritchard in Ahoskie, NC. LaVene worked as a stay-at-home mom and worked many years at Carriage Hill Nursing Home in Fredericksburg, VA.

Billy was born on September 3, 1941 to the late Ed Wright and Dorothy Modlin Baggett in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Billy retired from John McMullen Associates, in Crystal City, VA. JJMA is one of the largest naval architecture firms in the United States, specializing in ship design and marine-related technical consulting.

Billy and LaVene were married on May 19th, 1963 in Ahoskie, NC. After retirement, Billy and LaVene relocated to Murrells Inlet, SC. LaVene enjoyed spending time at the beach with family and friends. Billy enjoyed playing golf. In January 2020, Billy and LaVene relocated to Angier, NC to be closer to their family. Billy and LaVene’s final days were spent together as they prepared for the next chapter in God’s plan. Together as One, Together Always.

Left to cherish Billy and LaVene’s memory is, two daughters, Amy Knick and husband Scott, and Lynne Jennings and husband David; son, Julian Van Wright and wife Cindy; four granddaughters, Ashleigh Jennings, Allison Knick, Kaila Wright, and Jocelyn Wright; grandson, Travis Knick; Billy’s sister, Wanda Perry and brother, Curtis Gibson.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021, at 2:00 pm at the Ahoskie Cemetery, Ahoskie, NC.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Wright family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.

Service Information

Service

Service Information

Date: Sunday, January 3, 2021

Time: 2:00 pm

Location:

Ahoskie Cemetery

First Street

Ahoskie, NC 27910

Map

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Payton Bates posted on 3/18/21

I just learned that Billy and LaVene passed away shortly after my last conversation with Billy. He was my first friend when we started spending 9 months at the beach. We played Many rounds of golf together. Billy was the best Christian I knew. He walked and talked the faith Once he moved we never met again although we talked a lot. Billy will Not be forgotten!!

Colin Foster posted on 3/12/21

I too worked with Billy at JJMA. Some 27 years his junior, I enjoyed spend lunch with him at our office lunch table. He even suckered me into buying his old Arnold Palmer golf clubs. We had a coin club and joked regularly. I’m glad he enjoyed retirement. He will be missed.

Rick Sluss posted on 1/25/21

I worked many years with Billy. He was a friend and was a great coworker. Always had a good joke to make you laugh. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barbara Ann Schell posted on 1/14/21

To the family, I am so sorry for the loss of both your parents. It's a shock. Prayers & healings to all.

'Ham' Williams posted on 1/7/21

Dear Family - I'm so saddened to hear of the loss of your parents and my dear friends, Billy & LaVene. I met Billy in the fall of 1961 as new Apprentices at NNS&DDCO. My future wife and I drove down to Roanoke Rapids from Gloucester, VA, for their wedding. We became Hull Designers in the same class and our friendship continued and matured since. The last time we spoke, Billy asked me to add LaVene's name to our church prayer list. We worked together, laughed together and stayed in touch wherever he roamed. To say I'll miss him is an understatement. I can joyfully say, "See you later, my Friend!"

Terrance Walters posted on 1/3/21

God Bless the Wright Family and friends. We wish you our sincerest condolences to the Wright Family and friends. We'll miss our friends Billy and Lavene... We will keep the Wright Family and friends in our thoughts and prayers... Sincerely, Terry and crew at PirateLand

Terrance Walters posted on 1/3/21

God Bless the Wright Family and friends. We wish you condolences today and the rest of your lives. Billy and Lavene will be in our memories and the family in our prayers. God Bless all of you. Terry and the crew of PirateLand

Doris Peck posted on 1/3/21

I am so sorry for your loss. Billy sat next to me in Sunday school every Sunday for years. I know he will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless all of you. It is so hard losing parents.

Tina Carter posted on 1/3/21

Lynne, Amy, and family, I am so sorry to hear the news about your Mom and Dad. They were both truly special people and I am fortunate to have known them. I have such fond memories of all the fun times LaVene and I shared at work and going on "adventures". Praying that God and your sweet memories of them will sustain you during this difficult time.

Stephen Modlin posted on 1/3/21

I send my sincere condolences to the family. My Dad was Mayo Modlin, the oldest child in Aunt Dorothy"s family. My earliest memories of Billy were when he was 10 and I was 6.Over the years we saw each other at an occasional trip to Grand Mama Modlins or a family reunion. Billy was one of my many first cousins on the Modlin side. You and LaVene will be missed. RIP until we meet again.

Sarah E Ruffin posted on 1/3/21

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15

Al & Alice Daniels posted on 1/2/21

So sorry for your loss, losing one parent is bad enough but loosing both is devastating. We’ve know Billy & LaVene since Newport News, then we all moved north to Spotsylvania. Worked together at George G Sharp, JJMA, & Alison, finally to retirement. Remember visiting in Spotsylvania & seeing LaVene’s house display, she had quite a collection. We would be with you tomorrow but the trip is too long.

Marie and Dave MacSwain posted on 1/2/21

Amy, So deeply sorry for your family to lose them both so close together. Have so many happy memories of our times with them at the beach, and many local restaurants. Your Mom would line up tickets for us at the Opry and we'd enjoy great shows together. Never to be forgotten.

Bob Golden posted on 1/1/21

I knew Billy since 1987 when I joined John J. McMullen Associates in Crystal City, VA. Our backgrounds were so different. Billy was a good old boy from North Carolina and I grew up a Jewish kid in Brooklyn. After each of us retired, we’d keep in touch by phone. We always kidded each other and laughed at our infirmities as we grew older. I will miss him.

Marie and Murray Laycock, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada posted on 12/31/20

We have many memories of our time at the beach with Billy and LaVene. Lots of laughs, going out for meals together and just some good old fun. Will never forget the time LaVene came to Canada for two weeks to stay with us. We had only known them since 2007, met at the beach, but it felt like we had known them for ever. Loved them both very much and we will miss them. Till we meet again Billy and LaVene.

Marie & Michael Quarberg posted on 12/31/20

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Billy and Lavene. Billy was a special friend to my parents for many years while he was living in Fredericksburg and went to church with them at Fairview Baptist Church. He never failed to asked about our family anytime he called checking on my parents. Both of them will be greatly missed. Praying for your family during your time of grief.

Shirley Bynum posted on 12/31/20

Lynne, I am so sorry for your loss, and I pray God’s strengthening and understanding for you and your family during these difficult times.

Bobbie Lawrence posted on 12/31/20

Thank you for the wonderful memories! You will be missed! You had many great years together and your children and grandchildren will cherish the memories of what great role models you were to many.

Mary Linda and Johnny posted on 12/31/20

Lynn, Amy, Julian, there are no words to describe what LaVene and Billy meant to me. All the camping, weddings and all in between. We shared. She and I talked at least once a day but some days as many as 3. I loved them both. My heart is broken

Allan Modlin posted on 12/31/20

Billy, I have enjoyed our e-mail contact over the past several years. The last time I saw you and Lavern was in Fredericksburg. You were a rabid Courtland High foot- ball dad. So cuz. you two RIP.

The Holcombes posted on 12/31/20

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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