DL Capt. Parker Smith Wright

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Parker Smith Wright

April 6, 1954  ~  November 27, 2023

 

Notice of passing…..retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Parker Smith Wright, age 69.  Parker joined Delta Air Lines 07-18-1986.  He is survived by his wife Roxana, and by his children and their families.

Obituary information can be found online at

https://www.mowells.com/obituaries/Parker-Smith-Wright?obId=30152760#/obituaryInfo

PCN Memorial site

Celebration of Life service is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BazviZYSVeM   

 

Parker Smith Wright Obituary

“A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” -Author John A. Shedd

 

On November 27th, 2023, a great adventurer in heart and spirit, Parker Smith Wright, 69, unexpectedly embarked on his final journey home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Parker was born on April 6th, 1954, in Omaha, Nebraska to Colonel William (Bill) J. Wright and Margie (Parker) Wright. Being a military family, they moved from Omaha to Newfoundland before landing in Alexandria, VA for a few years where Col. Wright worked at the Pentagon. Parker began elementary school at St. Stephen’s School in Alexandria. This is where, as a young child, he dreamed of flying for Delta Air Lines one day.

 

The Wright Family then moved to Franklin, Tennessee where Parker finished elementary school, and then graduated high school from Battle Ground Academy in 1972. Upon graduation, Parker received the distinct honors of being accepted to the United States Air Force Academy, The Naval Academy, and University of Virginia, ultimately choosing the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. During his time as a Cadet, Parker was a member of the elite USAFA Parachute Team Wings of Blue, and was a nationally ranked competitor, accumulating over 500 jumps. Upon graduation in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History, he became a commissioned second lieutenant in the US Air Force.

 

After attending pilot training in Columbus, Mississippi, Parker was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, WA where he flew C-141’s and loved the beautiful Washington state scenery. In 1980, he was reassigned to Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma as a T-38 instructor. This is where he met and married Roxana (Woods) in 1983 at the Vance AFB Chapel in a military ceremony. He gained 2 young step-children, Kelli and Kyle. His last assignment in the Air Force brought the new family to McGuire AFB in New Jersey where he again piloted C-141’s on international missions. In 1985, Kathryn Leigh was born in Medford, NJ, and completed the family quite nicely with her spunk, full head of dark hair and her daddy’s full heart wrapped around her little finger.

 

In 1986, after 10 years active-duty military service, and achieving the rank of Captain in the U.S. Air Force, Parker realized his childhood dream of becoming a Delta Air Lines pilot. Based in Atlanta for 34 years, he flew domestically, internationally, and was also an instructor on a number of Boeing aircraft. He ended his career as captain on the B-777. This afforded many long layovers and fun trips all over the world for the family.

 

Parker had a deep love and passion for aviation, history, sailing and traveling. He was able to realize his dream of sailing for a few years by proudly owning his Island Packet 485, “Cimarron”, sailing throughout the British Virgin Islands with Roxana, Kathryn and close friends.

 

Parker and Roxana made Peachtree City, Georgia home for 35 years before moving to their current residence several miles south of Peachtree City in 2021. The past couple of years in their new home, Parker spent his time mowing the vast lawn, enjoying the beautiful views and peaceful evenings, mowing some more and working on various projects throughout the home. He especially enjoyed time with the love of his life, Roxie, entertaining visits from family and forming new friendships.

 

Parker remained close with a couple of childhood friends, and also added many lifelong friendships throughout his life’s adventures, valuing each relationship abundantly. Above all, Parker loved his family and cherished time spent with them. He would travel near and far to see his eight grandchildren participate in sporting events, celebrate birthdays and graduations or just spend quality time with them. They were his biggest joys and he would dote and share stories about them every available chance given. He enjoyed teaching them about all the things he loved and was so proud of each of them. The kids thoroughly enjoyed listening to his stories and took away many valuable life lessons such as loving the Lord, learning history, being trustworthy, working hard and having fun.

 

Faith and fellowship were important to Parker, and his relationship with Jesus became stronger by the day. Parker and Roxana were members of New Hope Baptist South Campus and were embraced by the Carroll Family Group, which he really enjoyed.

 

Parker was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Margie Wright, his father-in-law Darrell F. Woods and brother-in-law Mark Woods.

 

He is survived by, and will be greatly missed by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Roxana; children Kelli (Whitson) Fleming and husband Rob of Shawnee, Kansas; Kyle Whitson and wife Natalie of Brooks, GA; Kathryn (Wright) Thomas and husband Jason of McLean, VA; Eight grandchildren: Elizabeth, Luke and Ethan Fleming; Beau and Audrey Whitson; and Evelyn, Eleanor and Everett Thomas. He is also survived by sister Sharon (Wright) Brogden of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother-in-law Todd Woods and wife Christi of Perry, OK; beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, many close friends and extended family.

 

Memorial services will be held at Mowell Funeral Home, 200 Robinson Rd, Peachtree City, GA 30269 on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 2pm. The family will receive visitors between 1 and 2 pm. The family requests that instead of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Parker S. Wright to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Samaritan's Purse Ministries.

 

We welcome you to provide your condolences, thoughts, and memories on our Tribute Wall.

Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fayetteville, www.mowells.com