SHELBY- Gerald "Jerry" Wright teed off for the last time on June 26, 2026, at the age of 87, in Shelby, NC. Born on September 15, 1938, in Cleveland County, Jerry spent his life perfecting his golf swing and spreading laughter to all who knew him.

Jerry was a devoted family man along with his beloved wife of 64 years, Juanita Wright. He was the proud father of two daughters, Zina Rollins and husband Keith, and Anita Horn and husband Frank, who meant the world to him. Jerry's love and sense of humor extended to his grandchildren—Matthew Rollins and wife Alicia, Lance Rollins and wife Ashton, Brittney Gaines and husband Robbie, and Tori Seagle and husband Jay—as well as his great-grandchildren, Alivia, Liam, Mason, Tucker, Silas, Ivy, Abel, Waylon, and John Warren.

Jerry was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church and an avid golfer. Jerry found immense joy on the golf course, where he remarkably achieved eight hole-in-ones over his lifetime—the last one celebrated at the age of 81. He often remarked that it never rained on the golf course, and his favorite place to be was Pine Grove. Jerry may have left the course, but his spirit and laughter will echo through the greens forever. May he find eternal fairways and sunny skies.

Preceded in death by his parents, T.R. and Mary Rosalee Wright, his brother Zeno Wright, his sister Martha Davidson, and his great-grandson, Robert Franklin "Ivy" Gaines, Jerry is now reunited with them in peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at New Prospect Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Chris Devine. Friends and family are invited to gather one hour prior to the service at the church to share memories and offer support to one another. A private graveside service will be held for the family.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com