Robert Wright

Robert (Bob) Arthur Wright, age 85, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, cherished father, grandfather and great grandfather died peacefully at DCH Regional Medical Center on August 19, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. The funeral will be held Wednesday, August 24th beginning with visitation at 2:00 pm followed by a 3:30 service at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, 2310 Skyland Boulevard East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405, with Magnolia Chapel Funeral Homes directing. A reception celebrating Bob's life will take place afterwards at the Coleman Coliseum Club Room from 5:00 - 7:00.

Bob was born in Queens Village, New York to the late Mr. and Mrs. Herbert E. Wright. He grew up in Floral Park, NY, along with his surviving older brother Dick Wright of Atlanta, GA. Bob graduated from Sewanhaka High School and later graduated from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. He married the love of his life, Ann Rodabaugh, on December 26, 1959, who predeceased him. He and Ann lovingly raised five sons, each of whom married and raised a loving family of their own. His sons include David (Shannon) of Tuscaloosa, AL, granddaughter Elizabeth Billings (Robert) with great-grandson Wright and grandson Miller (Bliss) with great-grandson Cook; Donald (Jody) of Woodstock, GA, granddaughter Chandler; Phillip (Rebecca) of Bentonville, AR, granddaughters Caroline and Julia Brodie (Mason), and grandson Andrew; Peter (Katie) of Homewood, AL, granddaughter McKeever and grandson Oliver; Chris (Leigh) of Tuscaloosa, AL, granddaughter Allie and grandson John.

Following two years of service as an army officer, Bob began his career in the private sector in 1962 with Ernst & Ernst of Atlanta as a CPA. Ann and Bob moved to Tuscaloosa in 1968 for Bob to begin his new job as chief accountant with the University of Alabama, where he worked for 35 years as he rose through the ranks to become Vice-President of Financial Affairs and Treasurer for over 21 years, serving five different administrations. Bob also served on several national and regional associations, boards, and committees, sharing his many years of experience, his wisdom and his wit with colleagues in the college business administration arena from tech schools to Ivy League schools. For decades, Bob enthusiastically volunteered his time with various community organizations including the United Way Fund of Tuscaloosa County, the Boy Scouts of America, YMCA of Tuscaloosa and treasurer of the West Alabama Food Bank and St. Matthias Episcopal Church.

Bob remained active in retirement founding the SummerTide Theatre program in Gulf Shores. He enjoyed volunteering as a board member for Theatre Tuscaloosa and The Country Club of Tuscaloosa, where he worked tirelessly with club management during many challenging years. He was also well respected as an official of college and high school track meets throughout the Southeast including NCAA & SEC track and field events. After a decade away from campus, Bob realized how much he missed the interaction with university students, so of all things he decided to become an Uber driver. The family has laughed and enjoyed reading the many affectionate comments and reviews his passengers left for him. Bob stayed physically active as an avid Crimson Tide supporter and season ticket holder for football, basketball, baseball and gymnastics. He also enjoyed spending time on the golf course with his legendary golf group that has been together for over 50 years.

Above all, Bob cherished spending as much time as possible with his five sons, their spouses, his 10 grandchildren and now 2 great grandsons. His family was everything to him. They all take heartfelt comfort knowing that Bob is now reunited with his loving wife of sixty years with whom he will spend eternity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Matthias Episcopal Church (matthiaschurch.dioala.org) or the West Alabama Food Bank (donatenow.networkforgood.org/wafb).