Carlton Randolph "Randy" Wright

HENDERSON-Carlton “Randy” Wright, age 71, of 669 Walter Bowen Road, passed away peacefully at his home on March 7, 2026.

Born in Vance County on September 16, 1954, he was the son of the late Perry “Bill” Wright and Helen Faulkner Wright. Randy dedicated more than 40 years of service to Progress Energy before retiring. He also proudly served his country as a member of the North Carolina National Guard for 20 years, retiring with the rank of E-5 Sergeant.

Randy spent much of his life serving his community. He was an auxiliary member of the Cokesbury Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years and served with the Vance County Rescue Squad for more than 30 years. He was also an active member of the Loyal Order of the Moose and the American Legion Post in Henderson.

Faith and music were important parts of Randy’s life. He was a devoted member of New Sandy Creek Baptist Church, where he sang in the church choir and was part of the Creekside Trio and Quartet.

Randy had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time tinkering with small engines. Those who knew him best knew him by many names—Randy, Kilowatt, and Sarge—but to those who loved him most, he was simply Daddy and Pa.

Above all, Randy cherished his family, especially his grandchildren Blake, Lily, and Lacy, as well as Jonathon, Brittany, and Josh.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. in the family life center of New Sandy Creek Baptist Church by Pastor Tim Burgess, Pastor Steve Brown, and Pastor Will Breedlove. Burial with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

Randy is survived by his son Chris Wright; son Chad (Heather) Wright; stepson Chuck (Glenda) Strother; brothers Danny (Betty) Wright and Hartwell (Deta) Wright; and grandchildren Blake (Amber) Wright, Lily Wright, Lacy Wright, Jonathon Strother, Brittany Strother, and Josh Strother. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Debbie Wright Huneycutt, Brenda Wright, and his brother Billy Wright.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Mike Smith, Trent Ayscue, Doug Owen, Bryant Williams, Adam Pegram, Brian Greenway, Scott Fields and Ben Breedlove.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Public Safety Members including Cokesbury Fire Department, Vance County Rescue Squad, Vance County Fire Department, Henderson Fire Department, Orange County Emergency Services/Orange Rural Fire Department as well as American Legion and Moose Lodge Members.

The family will receive friends following the service on Friday in the family life center of New Sandy Creek Baptist Church, and at other times at the home, 669 Walter Bowen Road, Henderson, NC 27537.

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