George Wright

George Richard Wright 86, Decatur, IL completed his journey home to Jesus and to be with his wife Judith on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 1:02 a.m.

Services to celebrate his life will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 6,2026, at Calvert Wikoff Funeral Home, in Mt. Zion, IL. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday evening November 5, 2026, at the funeral home. George will be laid to rest in Mt. Zion Township Cemetery with military honors provided by the Macon County Honor Guard and the US Army Honors Team. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at Calvertmemorial.com.

George was born on June 25th, 1940, in Cerro Gordo, IL to Thelma and Ira Sr. Wright. While growing up in Mt. Zion, George accompanied his father to the Mt. Zion station and unofficially joined the Mt. Zion Fire Protection District in 1955 at the age of 15. George graduated from Mt. Zion High School and followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the United States Army in 1958. After an Honorable Discharge George went to work for the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in Decatur and rejoined the Mt. Zion Fire Protection District where he climbed the ladder to the rank of Assistant Chief. He married Judith Ann Conder on July 10, 1971.

In 1971, George followed his passion for firefighting and was hired by the City of Decatur as a firefighter where he served his community for 28 years. George received several awards for bravery during his career and witnessed one of the worst railroad accidents in the world “The explosion at the Norfolk & Western rail yard in 1974”. He spent 19 years at station one and quickly became the cook on 2nd battalion and was well known as the “Pie Guy” as he made hundreds if not thousands of pies. His pie making skills were enjoyed by his fellow firefighters along with the police officers that frequented the fire house. George was also known for his gardens at the fire houses and had a garden at all seven fires stations after he transferred from station one. During his tenure with the Decatur fire department his fellow firefighters gave him the nickname “King George”.

On his days off from being a firefighter George continued to serve his country as a reservist with the United States Army along with owning Wright’s Awning and Under Pinning Services until the late 1980’s. George was always providing for his family by working numerous jobs with John’s Marina, Kraft Trucking, ABF Freight Lines.
Two things that George was proud of during his life was donating over 46 gallons of Blood to the American Red Cross. The second was breeding and raising Chinese Shar-Pei’s. He owned Al-Wright kennels and owned the top stud dog in America. He sold dogs all over the country and was a proud member of the Shar-Pei club of America.

George is survived by his Children: Anthony Nagy (Sherry) of St. Joseph, Tim Wright of Decatur, and Tanya Brooks of Blue Mound. Brother: Donald Wright (Dianne) of Mt. Zion. Grandchildren: Ciara Corley (Todd), Leslie Dowdell (Chris), Arielle Evans (Tim), Lindsey Walsh (Brian), Andrea Gensler (Drew), Quentin Bradley (Brittney), Lauren Remley (Donnie), Katie Hoelting (Dan), Andrew Nagy, Austin Chase, Joe Bartels, Josh Brooks, and Nick Brooks. Eighteen great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

George was preceded in death by his wife Judith Ann of 48 years, his daughter Teresa Bradley, his parents, sisters: Cleta Heft, Juanita Goodrich, Nancy McKown, brothers: Stephen, Ira Jr. and Rodney, son-in-law: Kevin Brooks.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mt. Zion Fire Protection District in his honor.