Thomas " Tom" Wright of South Charleston, born January 28, 1938, son of the late Scott T. and Freda Wright, ran to Jesus on January 2, 2011 surrounded by family and friends at Thomas Hospital.

Tom graduated from South Charleston High School, class of 1956. He was an avid hunter, recently taking a trophy moose in Canada, diehard fisherman, best pancake maker (according to his grandkids), passionate follower of Jesus, dedicated husband and loving father and Pawpaw. Tom was actively involved in ministry at God's Tabernacle of Praise in South Charleston where he introduced every person to Christ with his hugs as they entered the building. He retired from Pepsi Cola after 29 years serving as a driver, route manager, and supervisor.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Sandra; daughter, Cathi (Fred) Whaples; son, Tommy (Angie) Wright; seven grandkids who will miss him terribly (Beth, Allen, Bobby, Andrew, Elaina, Brady, and Lydia); one great granddaughter, Aubrey; beloved "adopted" son, Billy (Sheila) and "adopted" grandkids, Robbie and Amanda; brother, Edward (Sue) Wright; sisters, Mary (Carl) Holdren and Stella Mae Thurston; and step sister, Shirley Holdren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 5, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Pastor Lee Darnell and Pastor Fred Whaples officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

Family and friends may call beginning at 11 a.m. until service time at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested contribution to be made in memory of Tom Wright to God's Tabernacle of Praise, PO Box 9114, South Charleston, WV 25309.