Richard “Rick” Wrightson

Richard “Rick” Wrightson, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at his home in Garner, NC.  He was born in Paintsville, KY to Arthur and Barbara Angel Wrightson, and relocated frequently due to his father’s career with General Electric.  After graduating from high school in Scottsdale, AZ, Rick served with honor as a medic with the USAF, including tours of duty in Northeastern Thailand and Vietnam.  Afterwards, he finished his post-secondary education at NC Central University in Durham, NC, and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  His forty-year civilian medical career included psychiatric, emergency room, operating room and child-related healthcare.  He retired in 2010 as a Psychiatric LPN with the NC Dept. of Corrections at Central Prison in Raleigh, NC.  A gregarious patriot with strong religious and conservative values, Rick seldom shied away from a spirited political or religious debate, and was unwavering in providing unconditional support and love for his family.  Those who knew him well will especially miss him and his unique, highly-contagious laugh.  He leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Linda Cook Wrightson; his daughter Sarah Angel Wrightson Meyer and son-in-law Luke Meyer of Cary, NC, along with their children Aria and Sonata Meyer; his sister Lori Elward and her children Autumn and Jeremy of Mesa, AZ; his Aunt Helen and Uncle Gene Banks of Asheville, NC, along with their 2 children Angel and Kelly; and his stepmother Ivy Wrightson of Wilmington, NC, and her 4 children.  Memorial service at 2:00 PM Friday May 15, at Bryan-Lee Funeral Chapel, Garner.  The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the service, from 1 – 2 PM. Condolences to www.bryanleefuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Garner Freewill Baptist Church, PO Box 326, Garner, NC 27529; to www.samaritanspurse.org ; or to www.woundedwarriorproject.org .