Howard "Leslie" Wright

Howard "Leslie" Wright, age 68 years, a resident of rural Ullin, Illinois passed away unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, July 7, 2026, at 5:56 P.M. Leslie, as he was known to family and friends, was born January 24, 1958 at the Union County Hospital in Anna, Illinois. He was the son of Howard Leo Wright and Sharilyn Jane (Crippen) Wright. On September 30, 1978, Leslie was united in marriage to Beverly Ann Riley at Luther’s Chapel United Methodist Church. She survives. Leslie is also survived by: his children and grandchildren – Jeffrey Allen (his wife, Lacey) Wright, and their children – Riley June and Henry Allen of Grand Chain, Illinois and Brandy Jo (her husband, Dustin) Thurston, and their children – Emma Brooke and Nolan Brock of Pulaski, Illinois; a sister – Rhonda (Rick) Dunaway of Anna, Illinois; a brother – Rick (Paula) Wright of Ullin, Illinois; and his mother-in-law – Joyce Riley of Karnak, Illinois. Leslie was fondly known as “Big L.” to his nieces, nephews and many of his friends. He is also survived by an uncle, aunts, cousins and brothers-in law. In addition to his parents, Leslie was preceded in death by his father-in-law – Kenneth Riley. Leslie was a 1976 graduate of Century High School. He had been employed as a concrete truck driver by the Cairo Readi-Mix. He also was a longtime bus driver and mechanic for the Century School District. Leslie and Beverly built and operated the Pick-Up Mart, at the intersection of Illinois Route 37 and 169, for 35 ½ years. They also owned and operated the Ranch House Restaurant and Super Suds Car Wash. Leslie also enjoyed assisting his son, Jeff, in his business by driving the tow-truck and running for parts. Leslie served for many years as a member of the Grand Chain Volunteer Fire Department and had formerly served as fire chief. He had also served as an auxiliary deputy for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department. Leslie enjoyed many hobbies and activities, including woodworking. He is remembered for the pride he took in his property and for always working hard to make everything “look nice” (although mowing was not his most enjoyable chore). Leslie also enjoyed spending time on the farm, raising cattle, tinkering and driving through the countryside. He was an avid fan and memorabilia collector of “The Duke,” John Wayne. Leslie took his greatest pleasure, however, in spending time with his family. He particularly enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren, especially watching them fish in the family pond, which he had taken great pride in constructing. Leslie was a member of the Karnak Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, July 11, 2026, at 11 A.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Perry Wright will officiate. Burial will be in the Cypress Cemetery. Visitation will be conducted Friday evening, July 10, 2026, from 5 P.M. - 8 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. There will also be a time of visitation Saturday morning, July 11, 2026, from 10 A.M. until the time of the service.

Howard "Leslie" Wright

January 24, 1958 - July 7, 2026