Charles Wayne Wright

Charles Wayne Wright, age 76 of Searcy, died Monday, February 24, 2014. Wayne was born August 4, 1937, in Judsonia to Lee and Gladys Wright. Wayne grew up in Judsonia and graduated from Judsonia High School. After graduation, Wayne moved to Indiana and worked at Chrysler Automotive for several years. He moved back to Searcy and sold insurance before beginning a career in radio. After several years in the radio business, Wayne took a job at the former Foothills Technical Institute where he retired in 2001. Wayne was a member of Downtown Church of Christ. He loved to be around people and enjoyed entertaining others. During his radio career, Wayne was known for his comical presentation of "Cedric Weehunt". His passion was country music and did many interviews with country legends such as Dolly Parton, George Jones, Charlie Pride, and many others. He served on the White County Fair Board for many years and was honored as the Grand Marshall of the White County Fair Parade in 2001. Wayne never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone who would listen. He loved to tell stories of his country music days and always had a smile on his face. Wayne married Delores Key on May 8, 1969. Together, they had five children. Wayne's family was the center of his world. He raised his children in a Godly home and was an example to not only his children and grandchildren, but all of those who knew him. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wright and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Delores; his children, Bradley (Tonya), Greg, and Brenda Cornett (Ronnie) of Searcy, Richard (Julie) of Judsonia, and Diana Paris (Frank) of Haines City, Florida; his siblings, Jerry (Paula), Bob (Phyllis), and Ricky (Sandra) all of Judsonia, Joann Key (Joe) and Betty Taylor both of Judsonia; grandchildren Josh Paris (Jennifer) and Andi Paris of Haines City, Florida, Angela Simmons (Eric), Amber Brenner, Josh Wright (Kerri), Madison Wright, Peyton Wright, Erika Wright all of Searcy, Tiffany O'Dell (Michael) of Bald Knob, Stephanie Whaley (Ryan) of Griffithville, Jessica Wright of Beebe, and Katie Mantei of Judsonia; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Powell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 pm at Downtown Church of Christ with interment to follow at Fredonia Cemetery. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Charles Wayne Wright

August 4, 1937 - February 24, 2014