William Wright

William E. "Bill" Wright, 86, of Cape Girardeau went to heaven Wednesday, July 16, 2014, from his home, with his loving family by his side.

He was born Feb. 29, 1928, one of 15 children of James and Della Mae Wright. He was married to Alena Margrabe of Cape Girardeau, who passed away Aug. 8, 1954. He then married Robbie Faye Irby of Cape Girardeau Aug. 4, 1956. She passed away May 13, 2011.

Bill retired from Concord Printing after more than 40 years of service.

He served in the United States Army Air Corps as an installer repairman.

He and his wife, Robbie, were faithful members at Cape First Church. He served the church family many years, teaching Royal Rangers and Sunday school, ushering, serving on the church's advisory council and being a part of the JOY Group. He was a Godly man, faithful husband, committed father, incredible grandpa and great-grandpa "GG," and an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. He enjoyed teaching others and sharing his love of fishing, especially with his best friends, John Smothers and Jack Lemonds. He valued spending time with family and church friends ... especially when a fish fry was involved.

Survivors include a loving daughter, Sheila Crass of Cape Girardeau; three sisters, Madge Sample of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Phyllis Conyers of Wentzville, Missouri, and Shirley Thomas of Cape Girardeau; five grandsons, Benjamin (Jennifer) Crass of Cape Girardeau, Dustin (Melissa) Crass of Jackson, Mark (Missy) Rhymer and Scott (Lori) Rhymer of Plaquemine, Louisiana, and Matthew (Emily) Rhymer of Houston; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sharon Rhymer of Plaquemine; six brothers; and five sisters.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon Monday at Cape First Church.

The funeral will be at noon Monday, with a grandson, Benjamin Crass, and the Rev. Gary Brothers officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Hospice.

Online condolences may be shared at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.