William Campbell Wright Jr.

William “Gus” Campbell Wright, Jr., of Hopewell, Virginia, surrounded by loved ones, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Born July 21, 1940, he was the son of the late William Campbell Wright and the late Mildred Armstrong Wright. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Key Wright; his children, William David Wright, and Samantha Wright Previs (Gregory); five grandchildren; five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Wright Willis (Conrad); and survived by his brothers, Joseph Wright (Beverly), and Guy Wright (Gloria); and many nieces and nephews.

A true servant of the lord, Gus was a retired Methodist minister and served eight full time appointments within the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served three pulpits as interim Pastor during his retirement. Over the course of 36 years, Pastor Gus received the Rural Minister of the Year Award and the Southeastern Jurisdictional “Circuit Rider” Award. He was also involved in prison ministries through Kiros for many years and participated in many different mission trips both in country and out of country.

Known as “PawPaw” by his grandchildren and their friends, he will be remembered by all who knew him for the love he had for Christ and showing Jesus’ light wherever he could. His favorite song was “Victory in Jesus” and after a long hard battle with cancer, Gus has truly found his Victory in Jesus.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. A brief graveside service and internment will follow in Waynesboro, Virginia at Hermitage Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on December 22, 2024, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be registered online at ealvinsmall.com.