Jack Ledford Wright

The second son of Henry Clay Wright, Sr. and Mollie Barrett Wright, Companion Jack Ledford Wright was born in Yoakum, DeWitt County, Texas on December 30, 1923. Jack’s parents moved back to Houston in 1924 and settled in the Houston Heights area where he lived for 38 years. He attended Grace Methodist Church, where after World War II, he met his wife, Alney “Dede” Shelton and they were married on August 17, 1946. Jack and Dede have two children, Philip Henry Wright and his wife Kathy Query Wright; and Mollie Frances Wright Parker. They have two grandsons, Ryan Christopher Parker and Joshua Philip Wright and two step-grand daughters, Courtney and Kristin. He is eligible for the Sons of American Revolution with an application pending.

Jack graduated from Houston Public Evening High School in June 1941 and from the University of Houston with a B.S. Degree in Physics in 1961. He has completed numerous Real Estate courses and holds a Real Estate License.

He was employed by the Humble Oil & Refining Co. in 1940 as a hall boy and retired as a Research Geophysicist from the Exxon Production Research Company in 1979 after 39 years of service. He is now a consultant specializing in Real Estate, Pre-engineered metal buildings and the marketing of geophysical processing for oil and gas exploration.

Jack served the country during World War II as a Radioman 3rd class aboard a Light Cruiser, the USS Cleveland and was honorably discharged in 1945. Serving in the U.S. Navy Reserves from 1947 through 1952, he was called back to serve at the U.S. Naval Communication Station on Guam being again honorably discharged in 1952.

Jack served his community, the City of Jersey Village, Texas, as Councilman for nine years. He served the Planning and Zoning Commission of Jersey Village as Chairman before being elected to the Councilman position. He is currently serving as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Foundry United Methodist Church is very close to the hearts of Jack and Dede. In 1978 they assisted in organizing Foundry United Methodist Church. Jack has served his Church in various capacities over these 15 years. Serving on the Administrative Board as a member and Past Chairman, also, on the Board of Trustees as a member and Past Chairman. He is currently serving on two building committees, one planning a new Sanctuary and one planning a complete day-care facility. Both of these building projects are planned to be started this year.

MASONIC RECORD

Jack’s first impression and exposure to Masonry was through the Reagan Chapter, Order of DeMolay in 1939. He is Senior Member and a 50 Year DeMolay of Reagan Chapter. He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor in 1958 and currently serves as Treasurer of the Houston Preceptory, DeMolay Legion of Honor.

He was Raised a Master Mason in Reagan Lodge No. 1037, Houston, Texas on July 19, 1947. Serving as Worshipful Master of Reagan Lodge No. 1037 in 1958-59. He holds a Life Certificate in the Exoteric Work of the Grand Lodge of Texas. He has served, since 1974, and continues to serve on the Committee on By-Laws, as a member and Chairman.

He was Exalted in Will N. Kidd Chapter No. 424, Houston, Texas on July 13, 1953, serving as High Priest in 1975-76. Serving as Secretary since 1979. Served as District Deputy Grand High Priest of Capitular District 5A in 1979. Consecrated as a High Priest in the Grand Council of the Order of High Priesthood for the State of Texas in 1975. Appointed as the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Tennessee near the Grand Chapter of Texas in 1989. Elected and installed Right Excellent Grand Scribe in 1991. Elected and installed Right Excellent Grand King in 1992. Elected and installed as Right Excellent Deputy Grand High Priest in 1993. On March 27, 1993 became Acting Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas. Elected and installed Most Excellent Grand High Priest on December 7, 1993.

Greeted in San Jacinto Council No. 347, Royal and Select Masters, Houston, Texas on July 20, 1953. Served as Thrice Illustrious Master of San Jacinto Council No. 347, 1974-75. Serving as Recorder of San Jacinto Council since 1979. Crowned as Life Member of the Order of the Silver Trowel in 1974. Served as District Deputy Grand Master of Cryptic District 5A in 1985. Received the Super Excellent Master’s Degree on May 22, 1954.

Knighted in Ruthven Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar, Houston, Texas. Served as Commander in 1969. Was Membership Chairman of the Third Templar District and Grand Commandery of Texas 1969-1975. He is a Life Sponsor in the Knights Templar Eye Foundation since March 12, 1962.

Other York Rite affiliations include Knight York Cross of Honour, Texas Priory No. 23, dual with Thomas H. Ridout Priory No. 69. Organizer, Past President and member of the Gulf Coast York Rite Association. Member of the Gulf Coast York Rite College No. 106. Member of the Tall Pines York Rite Association. Member of Ebenezer Bacon Nichols Council No. 469, Allied Masonic Degrees of the U.S.A.

A member of the York Rite Esoteric Association and currently serving as Secretary-Treasurer of that Association.

Joined the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Houston in 1964. Knighted as Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1967. Coronated a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason in 1991. Has served as a member of the Wardrobe Committee since 1965 and currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Committee.

Jack is a member of Arabia Temple Shrine, A.A.O.N.M.S. He is a member of the Past Master’s unit of the Arabia Temple Shrine.

Jack was made a Prophet and Life Member of Chinar Grotto, Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm in December 1993.

He is a member of Houston Heights Chapter No. 258, O.E.S. Serving during the 50th Anniversary of Houston Heights Chapter as Worthy Patron. He has served several times as the Co-Chairman of the Arrangements Committee for the Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star. Served as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star. Also, served on the Estarl Committee as the representative of District IV, Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star. Served as General Chairman of the O.E.S. Home Development Committee. Served as a member of the Endowed Membership Committee and currently serving on the Fraternal Ambassadors Committee of the Grand Chapter of Texas, Order of the Eastern Star.

Obituary

Jack Ledford Wright passed away on Monday March 5th, 2012. and now resides in the heavens with our Lord and Savior. He is survived by his child bride of 65+ years, Alney Dora Wright, their son, Philip Henry Wright, Grandson and wife, Joshua Philip and Cori Wright; his daughter, Mollie Francis Ellerkamp and her husband, Michael Ellerkamp and Grandson Ryan Christopher and wife, Camile Parker and Great Grandson Jackson Odell Parker. Memorial Services will be Saturday 10:00am at the Foundry United Methodist Church, 8350 Jones Rd., Jersey Village, Texas. The visitation will be 9:00am at the church. It is requested that no flowers be sent but donations to the Foundry United Methodist Church and/or the Texas Masonic Retirement Center or the favorite charity of the donor.

Source: Houston Chronicle on March 9, 2012