Fred Wright

As the majestic super blue blood moon and lunar eclipse shone in the early morning, Jan. 31st, 2018, a precious man left this earth. Dr. Fred Holmes Wright spent his life lifting up others and fighting for peace, disarmament and humanity. He slipped away after a week in the hospital surrounded by loving family and friends. He will be missed beyond measure. Dr. Wright received his B.A. (1948) and M.A. (1951) from the University of Mississippi, and his Doctor of Philosophy from Ohio State University in 1956. He was a renowned psychologist, and kept up his private practice into his 80’s. Survived by his children, Lynn Anna Wright Stallings and David Lane Wright; grandchildren, Kenneth Lane Ellis, Ashlyn Victoria Stallings and Angelina Apsara Wright; great-grandchildren, Taylor Lane Ellis, Jasmyn Skyler Ellis, Brenden Mackenzie Ellis and William Christopher Morehead; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, and his liebling, Rosemary Frierson. Dr. Wright was married to his childhood sweetheart, the beloved Founder and Director of the Dance-Theater Workshop in Chattanooga, Nancy Sue Lane Wright, for 61 years until her passing in 2010. Dr. Wright inspired us to see things from the perspective of other peoples, cultures and life circumstances. He was a shining example of how to approach life with a positive attitude and face every challenge with love and humor. He lived life to the fullest! As an activist, he helped implement the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and was instrumental in working with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to organize the Selma-Montgomery March. Dr. Wright worked for world peace, clean energy and to save the environment. He founded multiple state chapters of the Children’s International Summer Villages (CISV) whose mission is to bring about world peace through building inter-cultural friendships, cooperation and understanding. Dr. Wright (Big Daddy) also inspired us by swinging from the jungle treetops in Costa Rica on his 75th birthday, water-skiing the Tennessee River in 47 degree weather on his 80th, hang gliding on his 85th, hot air ballooning on his 90th and horseback riding and indoor sky-diving at age 91.He adored his family and loved and respected people from all walks of life. He was as close to perfect as a human being can be. Dr. Wright’s Celebration of Life is Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Unitarian Universalist Church Navajo Drive Chattanooga at 12:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the Atlanta chapter of Children’s International Summer Villages. Arrangements are by Cremation Center of Chattanooga; 1345 Hickory Valley Rd; 423-362-5999.