Benjamin Julius “Benny” Wright, 83, passed away on July 15, 2020, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born in Columbus on September 17, 1936. He was preceded in death by his parents Titus and Julia (Mixon) Wright; brother, James Wright; and sister, Delores Canady. He is survived by his sister, Ann Higgins.
In 1956, he married Jean (Robinson) Wright, who passed in June of 2012. Together, they had five children: Benjamin, Jacquelyn (Bruce Wolff) Wright, Pamela (Charles) Busby, Jeffrey (Angela) Wright, and Benita Smith. His children are joined in mourning by his grandchildren, Thailyn Wright, Kendall Smith and Bailey Smith. Also left to mourn his passing are long-time friends, Harold Ferguson and David Lee; former wife, Billye Wright Kee; a host of friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews, including special nephew, Brian Canady.
Benny graduated from Columbus South High School in 1954. Nicknamed “Captain Josh,” he was a four-year standout athlete in baseball and basketball. He was captain of the 1954 South High Bulldogs’ state basketball championship team. He also was senior class president. He attended The Ohio State University and served in the United States Army and the Ohio Army National Guard.
Benny, a sports enthusiast, was an avid bowler in the 1960s. He enjoyed following many professional and college sporting events both on TV and in person. He had an acerbic wit and often amused family and friends with jokes or humorous stories — most of which are not suitable for print here. Benny, quite a natty dresser, always sported the latest in menswear. He particularly enjoyed donning his Ohio State sportswear, topped with one of his many OSU baseball caps.
He worked at Chick’s Camera Exchange and White’s Cameras, both in Downtown Columbus. He enjoyed trying out the latest cameras, lenses and film. Over the years, he took thousands of photos capturing fun moments with family and friends.
Benny worked for the State of Ohio Minority Business Development Division. He retired from the City of Columbus Minority and Female Business Development in 1989 and moved to Chicago. Upon his return to Columbus, he worked at the JC Penney Distribution Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates financial assistance to defray the cost of Benny’s funeral expenses; payable to Pamela Wright Busby, 1754 Ramblewood Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43235.
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