Obituary of William Lloyd Wright
William Lloyd Wright
American Fork’s “Flag Man”, our adored and devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather—age 87 passed away at home Sunday, July 1, 2018 from cancer. Preceded in death by his brother Gerald Dean Wright, his wife Edith, and grandson Taylor Paul Wright. Lloyd was born November 2, 1930 and raised in American Fork, UT by William Hyrum Wright and Leah Belle Baxter. Lloyd was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple to his high school sweetheart: Edith Jane Moss, April 18, 1951. After Edith’s death in 2000, Lloyd married Eva Shelley, a former classmate September 2, 2005. Lloyd is survived by: Eva, his brother, Curtis (Carolina), his children: Marilyn Pickett, Karen Leigh (James), Wm. Bryan Wright, Paul Moss Wright (Lisa). Eva’s children: Christine Sullivan (Michael), Harold Shelley (Jeneal), Stan Shelley (Andrea), Susan Rogers (Dave) and all their posterity.
He grew up working alongside his father and mother at W. H. Wright Company (produce) in American Fork and Pleasant Grove. He became a produce expert at an early age. As a result, his garden became his pride and joy throughout his adult life as he shared the harvest with his family, neighbors and friends. He was blessed with wonderful friends while growing up—and lived the “American Dream.” As a senior in high school Lloyd served as the Student-Body Seminary President. He graduated from American Fork High School, and continued his education at Brigham Young University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/Finance. Later Lloyd received his Teaching Certificate in Business Education and a Master’s Degree of Business Administration from Utah State University. Trips through Brigham City began his lifelong love of Maddox Restaurant. Lloyd attended and taught many tactical and procedural courses to Special Forces Green Beret Servicemen during and after attending military courses/trainings in Washington, D.C., Georgia, North Carolina, Kansas, California, Alabama, and others. Lloyd also spent 32 years teaching in the Alpine School District at Lincoln Junior High, Lake Ridge Junior High, and was an integral part of the first business faculty at Mountain View High School. He loved being involved with the students and often chaperoned dances, and advised Future Business Leaders of America students. As a former track athlete also helped the track team.
Lloyd first became involved in scouting in 1942 when he became a Boy Scout himself at the age of 12. At that time, he would go to the home of his Scout Master, Ozzie Nelson and pass off his requirements. He obtained the rank of Star Scout. For the next 60 years, he was involved in scouting while holding other LDS church callings. At age 19, he served as Junior Assistant Scout Master for Troop 11 in American Fork. He later served as Scout Master and as an Assistant Scout Master to many other good men. Lloyd loved serving as the Stake Young Men’s Counselor in charge of scouting under five different YM Presidents, and as the District Scouting Commissioner as well. He especially enjoyed serving with Bill Thornton, Leo Freeman, and Evan Brady. Lloyd earned his Wood Badge in 1979 and then served as a course instructor four more times. He was dedicated in organizing training sessions and helping present Court of Honors. At age 70 Lloyd served as a Webelos Leader. At age 80 he served as Cub Scout Committee Chairman for the AF 23rd Ward. Recognizing his outstanding service, the Boy Scouts of America awarded him the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. Lloyd always loved working with the young men.
Lloyd was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was always valiant in his testimony of Jesus Christ. Through his life he served in a variety of church callings. As an ordained Seventy he was continually involved in missionary work. Lloyd was a natural leader, mentor and friend. He was always helping someone. Lloyd was also an extremely hard-worker. He served 13 years in the Utah County Bishop’s Storehouse. He also served as an ordinance worker in his beloved Mount Timpanogos Temple from the time it opened in 1996 until 2014. (13 of those years were service in the baptistry with the youth). He blessed the lives of countless people not only through church service but through his abundant generosity and selflessness. Lloyd and Edith joyously served in the Peoria, Illinois Mission and fulfilled a life-long dream of full-time missionary service.
Lloyd also loved time with his family, the outdoors and Good Sam’s. He served as President of their Good Sam’s Club, and looked forward to planning and going on each trip they took. He was always the life of the party around the campfire, and loved dutch oven cooking. He was especially known around camp for his cobblers and sharing the delicious food with campers throughout any campground. Lloyd had a love for adventure. He was happiest parachuting out of airplanes, which became his passion. His adventures always brought out his broadest smiles and contagious laugh. He loved showing his grandkids he wasn’t too old to have fun. At 67, he was STILL waterskiing. Lloyd was an expert at sharing his quick wit, teasing grandkids and sharing tricks with friends.
At age 19, he enlisted with the Utah National Guard, American Fork Engineering Unit. We always loved hearing about his amazing experiences and stories about his time in the military. He attended Officers Training, and Command General Staff School, and was always excited to attend new training programs. Lloyd was honored to serve in the 19th Special Forces Battalion, Company B. Airborne Company B was the first Green Beret Company in the State of Utah. He served his country honorably and retired as a Major from his military service.
Lloyd demonstrated true love through the service and care of his parents and his wife, Edith. During their last years each of his parents resided in nursing homes. Lloyd visited Bill and later Leah multiple times each and every day. He single-handedly cared for his wife, Edith in their home for years as she fought pancreatic cancer. His years of devotion and care to assist Edith and his parents as they made the transition to the next life have left an indelible impression on each of us. We are grateful for his never-ending example.
In the 12 years spent with his wife Eva, they shared many travels, trials and adventures with their families. Lloyd and Eva also served in the Timpanogos Temple and in numerous other church callings together. They enjoyed the friendships made in their service and adventures. They enjoyed being together and cherished the love they shared in their marriage. The family is grateful to her and her family for the 24-hour care they provided as he battled cancer. It is impossible to express the gratitude we feel to Eva for her devotion to Lloyd during his illness, and to her family for their love and support of Lloyd as well. He loves you all. Thank you.
The family also gratefully acknowledges the love and support of family, ward members, neighbors, caregivers, physicians (especially Dr. Craig Cook and Jorey at Utah Valley Hospital), and Applegate Hospice as Lloyd courageously fought his last fight with cancer.
Funeral Services will be held: 11 am Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the American Fork 23rd Ward (Bowery Chapel) 680 North 350 West, American Fork, UT 84003. Prior to the funeral, the family will greet family and friends at a viewing 6-8 pm Friday, July 6, 2018 at Anderson Mortuary, 48 East 100 North, American Fork and 9-10:30 am Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the American Fork 23 Ward. Interment will follow the funeral at the American Fork Cemetery.
