Buddy Wright, Sr.

  Buddy Wright, Sr., age 79, of Coalton, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at Adena Regional Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was born in Kentucky on January 15, 1947, son of the late Forester Franklin Wright and Lula May Rose Wright. Buddy was a veteran of the United States Army and was a POW of the Vietnam War. For 26 years, Buddy was employed at Sands Hill Coal Company as a heavy equipment operator. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors mowing and working in the yard. He also spent lots of time watching movies on T.V. and messing with his guns. Buddy is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gayla L. Gussler Wright; children, Buddy Wright, Jr., Shawnee Wright, Robert Wright and Cordelia Wright, along with 1 sister, 2 brothers and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his children, John Forester Wright and Joyel Dawn Wright, and several brothers. In keeping with Buddy’s wishes, cremation followed his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.