Joe Carrol Wright
Joe Carrol Wright left this life Monday, May 20, after an extended battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born Feb. 6, 1933, in Benton, to Bun Phillip Wright and Glennie Grogan Wright, growing up in the community of Sardis on a farm with his brothers, the late John D. (Jeanne) and the late Doyle B. (Jan).
He is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine Sim (married 1953); his children, Allen Glen (Deborah), Daniel Richard (Ellen), Cara Jo Smith and Harold Wayne Wright (Tracey); grandchildren, Benjamin and Christopher (Allen), Joseph and Claire (Daniel), Rachel and Phillip (Cara), Justin, Katie, Alex and Cairo (Harold); great-grandchildren, Elijah, Charles (Benjamin) and Dillon, Michael, Jason (Christopher). One of the great joys of his life were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dr. Wright graduated from Benton High School in 1950 where he played football and basketball. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ouachita Baptist College in chemistry in 1954. After graduation, he served in the 47th Infantry Regiment in the U.S. Army and in the National Guard 142nd Artillery Group, attaining the rank of captain. On completion of his military service, he taught math and science at Lonoke Junior High School then attended the University of Arkansas where he earned his MS (1962) and PHD (1966) degrees in physical organic chemistry under the late professor Arthur Fry.
He was a gifted educator who loved teaching. After finishing his research at the Uofa, he joined the faculty at Mobile College at Mobile, Alabama, as professor of chemistry from 1964 to 1966. He moved to Henderson State (Teachers College) University in Arkadelphia as chairman of the Department of Chemistry in 1966 where he served for 32 years in expanding roles, including Dean of the School of Science and Math then Dean of the Ellis College of Arts and Sciences. During his tenure at HSU, Dr. Wright’s leadership was integral in expanding the number of faculty in the chemistry department and establishing both the aviation and nursing degree programs. When the aviation program was established, it was the only program of its kind in the state of Arkansas where graduates earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation. In addition to starting new academic programs, he twice oversaw the expansion of the science building, with two expansions of the laboratory and teaching spaces for physics, biology and chemistry. One of his true loves was to teach in the classroom. Even when he was in higher administrative positions, he insisted on teaching classes each semester that included Earth and physical science. He was a 60-year member of the American Chemical Society, past president of the local ACS chapter and member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Dr. Wright was a member, Sunday School teacher and deacon of the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia. He served on the Arkadelphia Long Range Planning Committee and Airport Commission. After retiring to Benton, he was a member and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Benton.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Benton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Joe C. Wright Chemistry Scholarship at Henderson State University, HSU Foundation, Box 540, Arkadelphia, AR 71999-0001.
Services are entrusted to Smith-benton Funeral Home.
Online guest book: www.smithfamilycares.com.