Billie Wright was born on August 23rd, 1941, in Louisburg, NC, the second oldest in a family of 10 siblings. He was educated in the Louisburg NC school system, where he attended Riverside H.S.

In search of better job opportunities, Billie relocated to New York City in 1958. By 1967, he met and married his wife, Bertha Wright, and became a father to her two young sons, Wilmer and William. In 1969, Billie and Bertha welcomed a new addition to the family, their daughter, Tabatha.

Raising three children was incredibly challenging. At times, Billie juggled multiple jobs to support his family. In the mid-1970s, Billie found a steady job as a maintenance custodian at the apartment building where the family resided, a position he held for decades.

Billie was not without his personal adversities, which escalated during the collapse of his 19-year marriage. But, eventually, in the mid-1990s, he met his long-time partner, Roseann. He discovered new meaning in his life when he witnessed the birth of two more children, Angelina and William Travis in 1997 and 1999, respectively. Having kids again made Billie want to be a better man and gave him another chance at fatherhood.

Everywhere Billie went, he made friends. The warmth of his smile put people at ease and his friendly and joking nature made him extremely popular everywhere he went. He was a larger-than-life figure who loved his family and always wanted the absolute best in life for all of his children. He used to always say to us, "I want you to be better than me."

Billie loved watching Major League Baseball and Entertainment Wrestling. He also enjoyed reading newspapers, cooking and driving. But most of all, he enjoyed taking care of his young children and playing Spades with the family.

After a couple of years battling illnesses, Billie passed away on Friday, March 29th, 2024. His life was a gift to us all and we were blessed to have him among us for as long as we did.

Billie is preceded in death by his father Alexander Wright, his mother Thelma B. Wright Leonard, his wife Bertha Wright, his partner Roseann Graham, his sister Sally E. Spivey and his stepson Wilmer L. Long. He leaves behind his oldest daughter Tabatha (Anthony) Winfield, his stepson William C. (Johanna) Long, his daughter Angelina Wright, his son William Travis Wright, his three brothers Charlie (Ellen) Wright, Mark B. Spivey and Charles L. Spivey, his six sisters Charity P. Baxter, Ruby L. Wright, Gail A. Robinson, Marie Williams, Maxine Spivey and Peggy Robinson, his grandson King Tejada, seven step grandchildren Tamiesha Long, Louis Long, Gabrielle Long, Danielle Long, Courtney Long, William Long, Jr. and Sarah-Ann Long, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you for a little while,

Please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years

But start out bravely with a gallant smile

And for my sake and in my name

Live on and do all things the same

Feed not your loneliness on empty days

But fill each waking hour in useful ways

Reach out your hand in comfort and cheer

And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near

And never, never be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

God's Garden

God looked around his garden, and he found an empty place.

He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.

He knew that you would never get well on earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough, and the hills were hard to climb.

So, he closed your weary eyelids, and whispered "peace be thine."

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

In Appreciation

The family would like to thank you for your prayers, support and many acts of kindness expressed during our time of bereavement. We appreciate and truly treasure everything you have done for us.

NY Services Entrusted To

George H. Weldon Funeral Home

353 E. 1116th Street

New York, NY 10029

(212) 427-3300.

Friday, April 12th, 2024

Viewing: 9:00-10:00am @ the Weldon Funeral Home

Service: 10:00-11:00am