SGT. Mark Steven Wright

SGT. Mark Steven Wright, USAF, 65, of Candler, went home to be with the Lord on August 23, 2026, at Pisgah Manor.

He was born to the late Forrest Dale and Mary Ann Matthews Wright on December 12, 1960. He graduated from Enka High School in 1979, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1980 to 1984. He did two tours in Saudi-Arabia. He was an avid baseball fan, and enjoyed volunteering at the BEAR Closet in which he was a founding member, and also at Abundant Harvest and Breakfast Church.

His other hobbies included writing short stories, history, camping and fishing. He was a life-long member of Snow Hill UMC, where he was the historian, member of the council of elders, and a faithful member of the Methodist Men. He was a member of the Hillbilly Minstrels Square Dance Team, and a former championship winning ballroom dancer.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy Wright Sluder and husband Michael; a niece, Holly Marie Sluder Bailey and husband Michael; two great-nephews, Abel Wade and Dawson Lee Bailey, all of Alexander; nephew, Christopher Greg Sluder, of Candler; aunt, Nancy Matthews Lindeblad Spence, of Miami; former wife, Susan Ann Pell and family of Nashville, TN; and many cousins, other family members and close friends.

The family expresses a special thank you to Pisgah Manor Nursing Home for their care, support and love.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Snow Hill United Methodist Church, with Pastors Andy McDevitt and Tom Hunter officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends prior to the service, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Friday.

Memorials may be made to Snow Hill UMC or to Erwin Hills Baptist Church.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.