IN MEMORIAM: John Wright

John Wright PHOTO: NATHALIA FRYKMAN PHOTO + VIDEO

John Wright, vice president of sales for Atlanta, Ga.-based Arrow Exterminators, died Jan. 28. Born in Atlanta on June 30, 1955, Wright majored in business at DeKalb College (now known as Perimeter College at Georgia State University). He joined Arrow in June 1973.

“John and the Wright family helped build Arrow Exterminators from the ground up,” Arrow CEO Emily Thomas Kendrick said in a news release. “In 1964, my grandparents, Starkey and Imogene Thomas, started Arrow, and a few years later, Butsy Wright, John’s father who had worked with Starkey at Orkin, made the leap of faith over to Arrow.”

Kendrick added that Butsy was “a superstar salesman for Arrow and mentor to my dad,” Pest Management Professional Hall of Famer Joe Thomas (Class of 2009).

“If that wasn’t enough, Butsy and his wife, Avon, produced an amazing second, third and now fourth generation of Wrights who have made, and will continue to make, their own special marks on our company,” she said. “Arrow wouldn’t be where we are today without the love, support and hard work of the Wright family.”

Arrow team members describe John Wright as a friend, father figure, brother, mentor, and more. Aside from his professional life, John was a dedicated family man. When he was not fishing or hunting, he loved spending time with his family, including his wife and high school sweetheart of 46 years, Mary Lynn; his two children, Heidi and Jimbo; and his grandchildren Emma, Wyatt, Langston and Porter.

“Where do you even start, when it comes to a man who was the full package in all areas of life?” Kendrick said. “Whether he was a rock star in his family and personal life, or a rock star in his professional life, John had a real gift with people from all walks of life. He was a natural in sales and in life because of his love for people. He loved to help and provide solutions to whatever situation his family, friends or colleagues might be in. It was a pleasure and joy to know this outstanding man.”