Joe Cecil Wright

Mr. Joe Cecil Wright, age 73, of Douglas passed away Thursday morning, May 5, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born September 7, 1942 to the late Cecil “J. C.” Wright and the late Mattie Nipper Wright. Mr. Wright grew up in Douglas on South Daughtery Avenue playing with all his close cousin’s. He was born sixteen years after his sister, growing up with almost two mothers. At an early age, Mr. Wright went to work at Coffee County Millworks where he developed a love of carpentry. Later, Mr. Wright followed in his dad’s footsteps as a police officer . He was a member of the first graduating Criminal Justice class at South Georgia College. He then became the first motorcycle Cop for Douglas. Although he was a policeman for a short time, he always maintained an interest in the law. After working as a police officer, Mr. Wright went to work for Lewis Brother’s Construction Company, which later became Tall T, gaining a greater knowledge of construction. In 1974, he married Maudine M. Wright and came to her family business, Douglas Electric, with knowledge of heating and air, as well as plumbing. Mr. Wright always kept up with the latest technology and helped to expand Douglas Electric into a successful business. Joe and Maudine also traveled to numerous foreign countries, developing a love for learning about foreign cultures. Recently Mr. Wright found a love for traveling around the surrounding states competing in BBQ competitions where he won numerous awards. Survivors include, His Wife: Maudine Purvis Wright of Douglas, GA, Daughters, Cindy M. Johnson of Douglas, GA , and Dr. Beckey Malphus, DVM of Thomasville, GA, Son, Chris D. Malphus of Willacoochee, GA, One Sister, Lorene (Tintz) Wright, one nephew, Rusty Wright, a special cousin, Gerald (Pud) & Shirley Wright, Grandchildren, Jennifer (Chad) Shrouder, Jordan L. Johnson, Jacob L. Johnson, Kayla A. Malphus, Ashlyn A. Malphus, and Kate A. Malphus, all of Douglas, Ga., One great-grandchild, Jayla E.Shrouder. Special friends (like a brother) Cecil (Bobbi) Carr and special caregivers Chad (Jennifer) Shrouder, Cindy M. Johnson, Edward (Sylvia) Cannon, Linon Tomblin, and Danny Carter. Funeral Services were held Saturday, May 7, 2016, at 11:00 A. M., at the West Ward Street Church of God, with Rev. Kenyon Fennell and Rev. Hilton Martin officiating. Dr. Beckey E. Malphus presented Special Memories, and Jennifer J. Shrouder delivered a special reading. Dr. Jamey L. Shrouder, MD, the Soloist, and Judy Foskey, the Pianist, presented “ The Lighthouse” , The Soloist, Kate Malphus delivereda special song, “I Will Rise”, with CD Music. During the “Pre-Lude” a slide show and Eulogy were presented by Dr. Beckey E. Malphus and Ashlyn Malphus. The Interment followed in the Hebron Church Cemetery, with Dr. Jamey L. Shrouder, M.D., Soloist, sang a Special Song, “What A Day”, and a closing Prayer was given by Danny Carter. Active Pallbearers were: Charlie Nipper, Kenny Paulk, Justin Roberts, Tim Stinson, David Purvis, Wendell Smith, Jackie Flanigan, Jr., Lee Hilliard, Danny Carter and Will McLain. Honorary Pallbearers were: Craig Walker, Jackie Wilson, Donald Pate, Rose & Ronnie Pope, Col. Donnie & Kathy Courson, Eunice Stewart, Ronnie & Janice Lewis, Burton Carter, Linon Tomblin, Larry McQueen, Stanley Evans, Fred Paulk, Jerry & Kay Lott, Mitch Lewis, Edward & Sylvia Cannon, Mark Dill, Ron Lewis, Bill & Pat Joyner, Gerald Rigdon, Larry & Juanice Harper, James Barber, John Barber, Wayne Barber, David Lott, Francis Lott, & friends in the GA/FL BBQ Circuit. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Citizens Christian Academy P. O. Box 1064 Douglas, GA 31534, or South Georgia State College Foundation 100 College Drive Douglas, GA 31533, or Southview Church of God, 1905 Willacoochee Highway, Douglas, GA. Ricketson Funeral Home was in charge of the Arrangements.

Joe Cecil Wright

September 7, 1942 - May 5, 2016