Charles Harman Wright

Charles Harman Wright, 89, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, following an extended illness.

Charles was one of six siblings born in Mullins, S.C. to the late James Milton Wright and Leatha Floyd Wright. He attended Mullins High School where he was an excellent student athlete, loving the sport of basketball. After high school, Charles worked for a local grocer until his only love graduated two years later. He then married the Love of his Life, Pauline Martin on August 14th, 1955. Afterward, Charles and Pauline moved to Columbia, South Carolina where he went to work for PYA Monarch Food Service. While living in Columbia, Charles and Pauline had two daughters, Paula, born in 1960 and Lisa born in 1966. Charles continued to excel at PYA managing one department after another until he was given the opportunity to open a new Regional Branch in Raleigh, North Carolina becoming its first Branch Manager. Charles oversaw the land procurement and branch warehouse construction. Once completed, he moved his family to Raleigh in 1970.

Charles continued to set records throughout his 44-year career with PYA Monarch/US Foods. Another accomplishment was overseeing the construction of the current US Foods Regional Facility in Zebulon, North Carolina. Charles had a once in a lifetime opportunity when he was asked to participate in the Olympic torch relay leading up to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. His torch is proudly on display at the US Foods Division Wright/Parker building in Zebulon.

Charles's natural business acumen and leadership skills were only overshadowed by the kindness he showed everyone he encountered and his love for his family. Charles was blessed to have had 57 wonderful years of marriage until the passing of Pauline in 2013, the second major heartbreak for him after he and Pauline lost their beloved daughter, Paula, in 2006.

He was also preceded in death by his brothers, James Douglas Wright, Archie Kenneth Wright; and sisters, Lois Wright Tarte and Hazel Wright Francis.

Charles is survived by his devoted daughter, Lisa; his younger brother, Wayne Wright and wife, Diane, and their two children, Tracy and David. In addition, he leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews on both the Wright and Pauline's (Martin) side of the family. Charles never met a stranger and all that knew him will always appreciate the special time they shared.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and are deeply thankful to his very special caregivers, Meg McClam, Audrey Gamble and the wonderful staff at Empathy Care of Florence for their loving care and unwavering support. We are also thankful for the staff at Addison House of Florence, formerly The Benton House and McLeod Hospice House for their love and support.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Raleigh. The family will receive friends and relatives immediately following the ceremony. Private entombment will occur in Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charles’ memory may be made to the National Autism Society; Alzheimer’s Association; or to the charity of your choice.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com