John Howard "Big Daddy" Wright

John H. Wright, 85 of Kilgore, completed his earthly journey, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, September 29, 2025. All services have been entrusted to Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. John will be laid to rest in the New Boston Cemetery on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Kenneth Antley officiating. A Homegoing Celebration will be held 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the New Horizon Church of God, 1307 Jenny St., Longview, TX 75604 with Rev. Kenneth Antley officiating & Rev G.M Streun eulogizing. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, on Friday, October3, 2025 at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore.

John was born on Shreveport, La on June 6, 1940, to James Elliot Wright and Mary Eloise Clark Wright. At the age of 12 his “DAD” came into his life and married his mother, Stephen Thomas ‘Dude” Spelling. He played football for and graduated from Mansfield High School. In Mansfield he was known as “Little Johnny Wright”. He was very proud of being from Louisiana, and his hometowns of Mansfield and Mooringsport.

John dutifully and faithfully served in the US Army. He served as manager of the kitchen in Thule, Greenland for 2 years. He loved the USA, was very patriotic, believed that he served to help protect EVERYONE’S freedom. He prayed for and supported the sitting president whether he voted for them or not.

After being honorably discharged, he went to work at the Red River Army Depot in New Boston. Thus, meeting Bobbie Sue. They married in 1965 and moved to Sulphur Springs. In 1967 they moved to Longview, and he went to work for Eastman Kodak. He retired from Eastman after 27 years of faithful service. After retiring, Bobbie Sue became very ill, and he took beyond excellent care of her for 14 years. During her dialysis treatments, they met Chester and Blanche Miller. After Bobbie sue and Chester’s transition from labor to reward. John and Blanche became friends and eventually life partners for the next 19 years.

John accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He and Bobbie Sue attended the Church of God in Longview, for almost 40 years together. Then after he moved back to Longview, he resumed attendance. John’s faith was evident in his life. He was a “minister” of the highest caliber. He lived what he preached. He was full of grace and mercy.

John enjoyed traveling, RV’ing, fishing, playing Wahoo, singing (off tune, but proudly), Irish & Gospel Music, storytelling, gardening, being with his family & friends. John will be missed for his sense of humor, way of speaking, laugh, gentle nature, wisdom and encouragement. John was also a die-hard LSU and Dallas Cowboys and Texas. Rangers fan.

John was reunited with his parents, wife, Bobbie Sue Jones Wright; companion, Blanche Sanderson Miller, son, “Little” David Matthew Wright, brother, Herman E. “Happy Wright, sister, Betty Wright Miller, brothers and sisters in love, Sue Wright, Dave Henneman, Jimmy and Johnny Helen Conn, Lola Faye Jones Briggs nephew Jimmy Conn, great nephew Jeremy Conn and numerous friends.

Left to cherish his memory are his son and daughter in love, Stephen and Jennifer Wright of Kilgore; grandchildren, Canaan Wright and fiancé’ Morgan Grey of Bullard, Leah Montandon and partner Cody Blakeman of New London, Logan Montandon and partner Shayna Furlong of Overton, Michael and wife Bonnie Montandon of Longview; great-grandchildren, Parker Cole, Hadley Reese, Bevyn Rose & Deacon Champ Montandon; Everleigh Ann Loya; brother and sister in love Leroy and Margie Wright of Mansfield, La. Sister, Doris Spelling Henneman of Florala, Al; brother in love, Thomas G. Briggs of New Boston; family of choice, Harvey, Georgia, Lance & Wesley Pharis; bonus family, Melanie Miller & Chase Friddle of Ponder, Andrew and Heather Friddle of Ponder, Matt and Kassie Friddle of Aubrey, Kason Friddle, Wesley, Natalie & Hunter Sanders, AJ Friddle. Special classmate and friend Loretta Y. Smith of San Antonio. Also left to carry on his legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family members.

Memorials may be made to New Horizon Church of God, 1305 Jenny St., Longview, Tx, 75603; Smokey Mountain Church of God Children’s Home, smch.org; St. Jude’s Children’s hospital, stjude.org.