Ben Wright was born 7/14/1949 in Carroll, County Mississippi. His parents were Reverend Kelly Wright SR. and Mrs. Amy Mae (Mary) Stamps-Wright. He was the second to the youngest of 15 children, there were 8 boys and 7 girls. Ben attended elementary at McLaurin and St. Francis of Assisi, Broad Street junior high, and then moved to Palo Alto, CA for high school. After high school Ben attended Saint Martin’s College in Lacey, WA where he ran track and acquired his bachelor’s degree. Ben also went on to obtain his master’s, and his doctorate degree.

Ben was well known in his community. He coached little league and high school sports, including baseball, football, and basketball. Ben served as a Principal in the Seattle Public School district, which lead to a move to Philadelphia to become the acting Assistant Superintendent of Alternative Education. Ben retired with his family in Whites Creek, TN. He is survived by his wife: Gwen (Sepia) Wright, and their children Winston and Wisdom Wright. And from previous marriages, son Benjamin Joseph Rainey-Wright, and daughter, Nadja Wright-Tarrant.

Ben was well known for his sense of humor, his work in the community with kids, and his commitment to education.

Thank you Ben Wright for your effort, your presence, your encouragement, your guidance, and overwhelmingly, your love!