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1946 – 2022

The. Rev Dr. Howard J. Wright, 76,passed away peacefully on May 21, 2022, in Fernandina Beach, Florida, after a life filled with music and reverence for worship in the ministry of Jesus Christ. He was born on April 3, 1946, in Jacksonville, Florida with his twin brother William to loving parents Willie Lee and Alma Louise Wright.

Howard learned to play the trumpet in high school which led to a music scholarship, and he enrolled at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1964, and joined the famous Marching 100s. He mastered a variety of musical instruments and became a songwriter, composer, and arranger. He backed up icons such as BB King, Jackie Wilson, Lou Rawls, and other musicians of that era. After graduating from FAMU in 1968 the Army recruited Howard into the U.S. Army Ceremonial Band at Ft. Mcpherson and promoted him to Army Specialist Five and received an honorable discharge. He was also an entrepreneur, salesman and professor of music at Georgia State University.

Howard earned a Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary; Master of Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Seminary; Master of Music from Georgia State University and Bachelor of Science from FAMU.

On July 1, 1988, he was ordained minister and later became Supervising Pastor and Elder in the North Georgia United Methodist Church Conference accepting seven pastoral church assignments. Dr. Wright accepted an appointment to the Bishop’s Cabinet of the North Georgia Conference and served as District Superintendent of the LaGrange, Georgia District supervising 104 churches. One year before retirement, Dr. Wright served as the transitional Senior Pastor of the 1,700-member Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in McDonough, Georgia. He was a recognized Crisis Counselor of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He served 35 years in the ministry prior to retiring on July 1, 2011.

Dr. Wright had a blessed marriage to Hester B. Wright. Howard is survived by Son: Arturo Williams (Jacqueline) Jacara and Ajaya; Daughter: Chye’ Upshaw-Hardnett (Phillip) Chene’ (George) Laila-great grand), Gabriel, Lady-Renata, Kaylan, and Jaylan; Daughter: Desni Henderson (Anthony) Bobimarie, Sugarlyn, James, Kera, and Bambam; Siblings: twin brother William E. Wright, Sr. (Nancy); Sisters: Emily i. Timmons, Naomi E. Mungin (Larenza), Magadelene McDuffie, and Dorothy J. Wilson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. Howard was predeceased by his parents, a brother, and five sisters. Dr. Wright was committed to God, Mission, Ministry, Family, and the Church as a true child of God… Amen and Amen.

Celebration of life at Trinity United Methodist Church 715 Ash St. Fernandina Beach, Florida, 32034, on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 10 a.m. viewing, service at noon, and interment at 2.30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com.

Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 410 Beech Street, (904) 765-1234.