George Lee Wright, Jr.

   George Lee Wright Jr, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away March 5th, 2025, after a short but brave battle with cancer.

  George was born on July 26, 1965, in Roanoke, Va. He was the second youngest of four children and the only boy. Having three sisters kept young George busy, and at times he kept his parents equally as busy. Between playing with Hot Wheels, teaching the youngest to throw bricks at her Barbie home, removing seats and chains from their bicycles to make his own better and then riding a wheelie off into the sunset on it, or removing the foam rubber from his father's recliner and sticking it in his nose—an act that would end in an ER visit for removal—he was always an independent individual who might push boundaries but learned from them, and he would always help others before himself.   

  These traits carried over into his adult life. His love of furniture may have started with foam rubber up his nose, but it did not stop there. He became a master of his craft in woodwork, upholstery, repairing, and bringing life back into any piece of furniture that just needed his touch. After many years working for someone else in that field, he decided to start his own business. His passion for helping others was apparent. Repairing or restoring a piece of furniture was one thing, but he also took the time to get to know his customers and would even help them in other ways if he felt they needed it. He enjoyed the interactions with his customers as much as the craft.      

   His bicycle wheelie days may have ended when he was younger, but that did not stop him. What was once a bike became a four-wheeler. He thoroughly enjoyed just riding trails up the mountain, probably too fast, with the wind in his hair and an occasional wheelie. He may have ripped and roared to get to the top, but once there, he would just sit still for hours, saying he felt peaceful and just one with nature. Simply, a love of the outdoors.

    George, being George, would also never ask for anything, yet he would do anything for anyone. He could fix literally anything and would do it perfectly every time and still think that it wasn’t good enough. That’s who he was—a truly wonderful and stubborn man who would probably be mad that everyone is still sad over him.    

   He loved his family and his friends. He was a social butterfly, as they say. There are few who met him that did not become a friend. He will be missed by all, and we have our memories; but luckily, we will all get to see him again one day to make more.

   George was preceded in death by his daughter, Jamie Leigh Wright; his parents George Lee Wright Sr. and Lillian Lucas Overstreet; Stepfather, William Price Overstreet; and his favorite kitty and best friend, Booger.

    He will be profoundly missed by his devoted and loving family, which includes his son, Bradley Gasper; four granddaughters, Nevaeh Davis, Kailyn Atkinson-Gasper, Hayley Atkinson-Gasper, and Rileigh Gasper; three sisters, Jackie Alley, Gail (Clayton) Fowler, and Lisa Ferguson; five nieces, Courtney (John) Ferguson, Heather (Jeremy) Manchester, Hollie Ferguson, Hannah (Eric) Griffin, and Hillary Alder (Emily Marlowe); one great-granddaughter; seven great-nieces/nephews; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives; and his beloved cat, Scooter.

    His memory will also be cherished by his devoted friends who became more like family: James and Dee Reynolds, their son, Avett “Bubba” “Hot Rod” Reynolds, and daughter, Aleyna House. As well as his longtime close friends George Gillis, Anthony “Butch” Alley, Dave Whitt, Gene Henegar and many others.   

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.