Herb Wright remembered for serving country, community

Funeral services were held yesterday for former 7th District County Commissioner Herbert L. Wright, a man who served his country in WWII and his community with three terms as an elected official. He was 83.

Wright was remembered as being very much a family man, doting on his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who came up often in conversation. He was also known as a concerned citizen, spending much of his later years serving on the county commission.

His colleagues on the commission are quick to point out how Wright believed in serving his community and his constituents to the best of his ability and in their best interests. His stentorian tones could fill the county courtroom from his corner seat when he decided to voice his opinions, and one of the things he felt most strongly about was spending taxpayers money wisely.

?I think it?s a terrible loss to the county,? said Commissioner Danice Taylor. ?I loved the old man. I worked with him for many years, he was a good person.?

?I think we all have fond memories of working with Mr. Wright,? said Commissioner Bill Zechman. ?He?ll be missed.?

Commissioner Carl Bouldin recalled how seriously Wright took his position on the commission, the thought he put into every vote and how their personal relationship developed over the years.

?Herb Wright was a friend of mine,? Bouldin said. ?He served with me on the commission for 12 years. I thought the world of Herb and he always voted his conscience and the way he thought things needed to be done.?

Linda Hillis, the county?s director of accounts, also formed a friendship with Wright over the years, and stayed in touch with him when he left the commission after losing in last year?s elections.

?He would usually call me at least once a week to talk,? Hillis said. ?He was an asset to the county, and I?m going to miss him a lot.?

Though they didn?t always agree on the issues, Commissioner George Smartt says he respected his longtime fellow commissioner and his dedication, as well as his sacrifice in the service to his country.

?Herb Wright was a very class act for Warren County,? Smartt said. ?He left high school in 1942 or ?43 to go to war. He served his country well, came back and was a solid citizen. After he returned, he wasn?t able to finish his education. In 2000 or 2001 the state passed legislation that allowed soldiers who didn?t get to finish their education to be awarded a high school diploma. He was awarded that special diploma. I know Herb was very, very proud of that fact.

?Herb served 12 years as one of the commissioners from the 7th District, and we butted heads many times,? Smartt recalled. ?His philosophy and mine were diametrically opposed. But he was always a very gracious gentleman and we could always speak afterwards and get along and leave everything at the door when we left. I miss him.?

Wright was also noted for his low tolerance for lengthy debate on issues he felt had been sufficiently covered, and fellow commissioners became accustomed to his frequent declaration, ?Mr. Chairman, call for the vote.?

And when he felt the meeting was over, Wright was usually the first to exclaim, ?Mr. Chairman, move to adjourn.? Usually with a big grin because, as he himself was aware, over the years his colleagues had grown to expect this of him as a sort of trademark.

As his fellow commissioners might say, after serving his country well in WWII and his county for 12 years as commissioner, Herb Wright has now adjourned to a better place.