SOUTHPORT — Norman Francis “Norm” Wright, age 75, of Southport, North Carolina passed away on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Norm was born February 21, 1949. He grew up in rural Sussex County, NJ. He loved hunting and fishing with his father. After graduating high school, he volunteered to serve in the US Army. Norm was in the Army from 1968 to 1971, serving in the Vietnam Conflict with the 1st Infantry Division, “The Big Red One”. Mr. Wright was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for his service in Vietnam. When he came home, he graduated from Dover Business College with an Associates Degree.
Norm was employed by New Brunswick Saw Service for 40 years, starting as a mechanic, moving to sales, and eventually becoming the president and owner of the company. He loved to sell equipment and meet people. Norm helped take the company from being a “mom and pop” operation to selling equipment to major supermarket chains.
Norm got involved in golf from his business dealings, and would play on any day that ended in “y”. He was a member of The Lakes Golf Club in Boiling Spring Lakes. One of his proudest golf memories was playing at Pebble Beach in a Pro-Am in 2000. Norm had a great love of automobiles and was very knowledgeable about them. He enjoyed driving roadsters.
In April 2012, he and his wife Carol retired to Southport, NC. He will be remembered fondly by his many friends and golfing buddies. Norm was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Grivalsky Wright; two daughters, Mary Goodwin and husband John of Whiteville, NC, and Anna Featherston and husband Bryan; a grandson, Jake Wright Featherston all of Myrtle Beach, SC; a sister, Darlene McGivern and husband John of Woodstock, MD; two brothers, Jake Wright and wife Anna, and Blair Wright, all of Budd Lake, NJ; sister-in-law, Barbara Nugent and husband Michael of Southport, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Frances Wright; and a brother, Charles Wright.
The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Online condolences may be made here.
