Charles Wright

Charles Edward Wright, affectionately known as “Chaz” and “Butch,” was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a decorated United States Army Vietnam War Veteran who passed away on December 26, 2025, in Goshen, Indiana.

Charles was born on December 13, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Frank Wright Sr. and Exie Noble‑Wright. In his early years, the Wright family migrated north to South Bend, Indiana, where Charles would grow into a man of resilience, discipline, and quiet strength. 

Charles received his education in Indiana and attended New Carlisle High School, where he was an avid athlete in both football and basketball. He was known as a serious and sincere young man, yet carried himself with a natural charisma and charm. He was well respected by peers and community members alike.

In 1965, Charles was drafted into the United States Army, answering his country’s call during the Vietnam War. He served honorably from December 7, 1965, to December 22, 1967, as an infantryman engaged in active ground combat. His military service was marked by exceptional courage, professionalism, and personal sacrifice under enemy fire.

Charles sustained combat wounds on two separate occasions and was awarded the Purple Heart with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. His distinguished service is further recognized by the following authorized military decorations and badges, which stand as enduring testimony to his bravery, discipline, and devotion to duty:

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver Service Star (denoting participation in five combat campaigns)

Overseas Service Ribbon

Combat Infantryman Badge — First Award

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960–)

Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Grenade Bar

Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar

Charles was a man who carried his service with dignity. He did not speak loudly of war, but those who knew him understood the depth of what he endured and the strength it took to carry on.

Those Preceded in Death
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Wright Sr. and Exie Wright; his wife, Frankie Fellows; his sons Graylen Todd Graham, Reginald B. Wright, Timothy E. Wright, and Prentiss M. Wright; and his siblings Peggy Wright, Frank Wright Jr., Betty Owens, Sandra Wright, Vivian Wright, and Linda Earnest.

Those Left to Cherish His Memory
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved and last surviving son, Gerald L. Armour‑Shaffer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, his treasured grandchildren:
Gerrice L. Armour, Kiara M. Armour ‑Shaffer, Gerald Lynn Armour Jr., Alayiha Shannice Armour, Breziana Lynae’ Armour ‑Giuliani, India Lynette Armour, Kyla Amani Armour, Brejayah Kelis’ Armour‑Giuliani. His great‑grandchildren:
Ena’cense Armour, Nevaeh Armour, Khalil Armour, Kassius Deon Giuliani‑Flores and Gerald L. Armour III. He is also survived by the children of his late son Timothy Wright: Shamika Floyd‑Taylor, Tiara Wright, Latisha Latrice Campbell (Nuda),
Timisha Lashay Wright‑Williams (Mommie), and additional great ‑grandchildren: Christopher Wright, Malia Wright and Mariah Tate.

Additional Family Acknowledgment and Gratitude
Charles is also lovingly remembered by his surviving siblings, Dennis Wright and Patricia White, and her husband Dexter White, along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends whose lives he touched across generations.

Special Thanks
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Tiara Wright, whose unwavering presence and dedication in South Bend provided essential support while arrangements were coordinated from Minnesota. Your strength, reliability, and compassion did not go unnoticed. You are truly an angel.
— With sincere appreciation, Uncle Gerald.

Special thanks are also extended to Aunt Patricia White and Uncle Dexter White for their prayers, steady guidance, and helping hands during this time of transition, and to Cousin Chris Wright for stepping forward with true family leadership when it was needed most. Your support is deeply appreciated.

The family further acknowledges and thanks Marilyn Wright (Love You, Punkin), Telena Clinton, Shirlena Wright, Ramona Patterson, Myron Green, Vernese Perry, Roshe’ Anthony, and Angela Gibbs for their love, prayers, kindness, and unwavering support during this period of new life transition.
We thank all unseen hands and caring hearts who played a part.

The family also expresses sincere appreciation to Pastor Earnest Sweat III and the Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ family of Conway, Arkansas, for their prayers, compassion, and spiritual encouragement.

Lastly, profound gratitude is extended to Megan, Sara, Jessica, and the many nurses and staff members of Majestic Care of Goshen and Hospice Care, whose professionalism, humanity, dignity, respect, and compassion brought comfort and peace to Charles during the final chapter of his life’s journey.
We are forever indebted to you.

Legacy
Charles Edward Wright’s life remains a testament to duty fulfilled, sacrifice endured, and honor earned. His legacy lives on through his family, his service to his country, and the quiet strength with which he walked this earth.

Forever remembered. Forever honored.
We salute you, our Father — Warrior — King.

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