The Shadow
Roy Wayne Wright
Roy Wayne Wright, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at The Woodlands in Clifton Forge, Virginia, following a courageous battle with diabetes and congestive heart failure.
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, on June 24, 1948, Roy is survived by his wife of 48 years and his best friend, Ann Kerby Wright, and their daughter, Courtney Ann Wright of Downingtown, PA, who shared his quick wit and tendency to turn life’s moments into stories. Also, his sister, Linda Wright Wheeler (Steve); sister-in-law, Cathy T. Wright; and a wide circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever miss his dry humor.
He was preceded in death by his son, John Tyler Wright; his parents, John Weaver Wright and Mildred Henley Wright; and his brother, Ronald Lee Wright.
A proud Demon Deacon, Roy graduated from Wake Forest University, majoring in Anthropology and Sociology staying in touch with his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity brothers at annual Homecoming reunions in Winston Salem. He earned his Master’s in Hospital Administration from the Medical College of Virginia where he met one of his life-long best friends. As a Hospital Administrator, it earned him a 1999 Award for Excellence in Leadership at Des Moines General Hospital. This profession contributed to a large portion of the 34 moves he did across the US. He also received accolades on the cover of Modern Healthcare Magazine in 1992 and a Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International, with a passion to serve the community.
Roy was a veteran, holding the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Service Corps. In addition, he loved to travel making it to 43 states and 25 countries.
Though he loved his career, he retired in Clifton Forge, Virginia and during this “retirement” he and Ann owned Heirlooms of Clifton Forge Cafe & Catering, from 2003 to 2014. His main role was Chief Greeter, Table Hopper, or as some referred to him as, “The Eye Candy”. His happy place was reading a good book from his beloved Book Club on the Cowpasture River surrounded by cats and dogs.
Roy was a man of many talents and passions: a truly terrible golfer, an excellent stained-glass artist, a lover of downhill skiing, researcher of theological topics, and books that ranged from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance to How to Pick Up Chicks. He was a Bob Dylan enthusiast, channeled Jim Belushi energy from Animal House in his college days and had a soft spot for Boxcar Willie — a musical trifecta that continued to rival the family game of “pick a record.”
Above all else, Roy was a conversationalist. Whether debating politics, decoding idioms like “three sheets to the wind,” or explaining flamingo egg-laying practices with unexpected authority, Roy could make any topic fascinating. His Clifton Forge Coffee Club friends can confirm fact-checking was his love language.
Per his wishes, he has been cremated and requested there to be no formal service — but we know he would love for you to raise a glass or tell a joke in his honor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Valley View Pet Rescue or the Alleghany Highlands Humane Society.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
