Wayne Wright

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 surrounded by family and friends, Wayne Edward

Wright of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at the age of 50 in Marshall.

Wayne was born July 13, 1974 to Willard (Buddy) and Brenda Wright. Wayne was the

only child of Buddy and Brenda and was often referred to by his family as the

“miracle child.” Given multiple diagnoses over the years, the doctors predicted

that Wayne wouldn’t live past his teen years. Little did the doctors know that it

would be in his teen years that he really came alive.

Wayne attended school in Battle Creek until he was in high school. It was in 1988

that he set foot in Albion Senior High School for the rst time. It was Wayne’s love

of all things sports that landed him in the managerial position of both the

football and basketball teams. Wayne was often seen with an entourage of

people, with Wayne leading the pack. During his time at AHS, Wayne essentially

became a legend–if you didn’t know Wayne, what were you doing? In 1992, Wayne

walked across the stage at graduation and the gymnasium erupted with

applause and celebration.

While growing up, Wayne was a member of many dierent rabbit 4 H clubs

throughout Calhoun County. Wayne never met a stranger. He befriended people

across the globe. In his teens, Wayne began a love aair with bowling. It was

through high school and bowling that Wayne met two of his lifelong best friends,

Reyes Oritz and Brandon Grice. Wayne went all over bowling and leaving his mark

on the world. One thing that Wayne was never short on was humor–he always had

something funny to say (even if it was inappropriate.)

One thing you could count on is Wayne was going to have fun. When internet

gaming became a thing, Wayne joined a community of gamers that would forever

change his life. It was through gaming that he met his amazing ance, Mary.

Mary and Wayne have spent the past 20 years feverishly in love. Loving Mary

entailed helping guide and nurture her ve children. Wayne loved his bonus

children as if they were his own but there was something extra special about his

grandbabies–the two little girls who aectionately named him Grampy! He built

relationships with his football loving son-in-laws quickly. They enjoyed yelling at

the T.V. and throwing back a beer or two together.

As time would have it, Wayne’s health began to deteriorate just as the Detroit

Lions started to win again. When February 2025 rolls around, you better believe

that Wayne is going to have one of the best seats in the house for the Super Bowl

because his Lions WILL be there.

Wayne was small in stature but he had the heart of a giant so it really wasn’t a

shock to his family when they found out that Wayne was a registered organ donor.

Once this was discovered the wheels were set in motion. The silver lining in a

rather dark cloud was the fact that Wayne would be able to donate his liver, both

kidneys, as well as tissue to a person in need. His seless gift would give life to

another human.

Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his ance of 20 years: Mary Jones; bonus

children: Courtney (Spencer) Gray, Kaitlin (Edwin) Harbour of Hazel Park, Molly

(Alex) Bruski of St. Clair Shores, Sydney Jones of Battle Creek, and Will Jones of

Westland; Grandchildren Violet Gray and Mary Jane Bruski; Aunts: Cindy Disbro of

Homer, Eva Wright of Albion and Mary (Kevin) Smith of Battle Creek; several

cousins; and best friends Reyes Ortiz and Brandon Grice and many other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Willard and Brenda Wright; along with

his maternal and paternal grandparents; several uncles, aunts and a cousin.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Albion

Moose Lodge, 13387 29 Mile Rd., Albion, MI. The family is requesting that those

attending the celebration to please wear their favorite sports attire to honor

Wayne’s love for all things sports!

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the sta in the Critical Care Unit

at Oaklawn Hospital and Gift of Life Michigan for their care and compassion.

Become a donor at giftoifemichigan.org