Reverend Michael Gale Wright, 66, of Wheelersburg, Ohio went to his eternal home on Friday, February 21, 2014. He was born February 23, 1947 in Portsmouth, the son of the late William and Violet McManus Wright. Michael was also preceded in death by brothers, Bill and Frankie Wright, sisters, Joyce Wright and Darlene Parker and grandson Andrew Rawlins.

He was a graduate of Wheelersburg High School in 1965, where he married his sweetheart, Beverly, on July 28, 1965. Michael served his country in the United States Navy, was employed by Pacific Finance, Detroit Steel Corporation, Gulf Oil, Standard Oil, and finally by British Petroleum. In 2009, after 30 years of service, Michael retired from his position as a transport driver for BP. He and Beverly enjoyed raising Registered Polled Herford cattle on their farm, M.G. Wright and Son's. In 2006, they were honored by area farmers when they received the Scioto County Conservation Award as Outstanding Cooperators of the year.

Michael leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Beverly, daughter, Debra (Forrest) Rawlins of Wheelersburg; a son, Bryan (Teresa) Wright of Ashville, Ohio; daughter, Stephanie (John) McQuithy of Wheelersburg, Mother-in-Law, Mary L. Besco of Wheelersburg; sister, Marcella (James) Brown of Albany, Oregon, and brother Roger (Rebecca) Wright of Wheelersburg; four grandsons, Nathan and Aaron Rawlins and Isaac and Caleb Wright and four granddaughters, Hannah and Katie McQuithy, MaryBeth Rawlins, and Olivia Wright.

Michael was an ordained minister within the Churches of Christ in Christian Union. During his ministry, he served as Pastor to the Lucasville, Hanging Rock and Wheelersburg congregations. Only when he was physically unable to do so did he end his pastoral career. Michael knew that God saved him from a life of sin. He counted it a privilege to be a child of the King. He longed to share the gospel. He cared about the lost. He loved his church families and the communities he served. He was an enthusiastic steel guitar player. Few things in life pleased him more than playing music and singing hymns with his family. Michael possessed and passed on to his son and grandsons a passionate love of hunting and the outdoors.

Michael never stopped thanking God for His provisions and the blessings of life. Because of Christ's death, burial and resurrection, he claimed Christ's promise of peace and rest that awaited him after this life. His family is deeply comforted by the testimony he leaves behind. But mostly, they are in awe of the grace of God in Michael life and they want to encourage to the unsaved to come to Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 at the Dogwood Chapel Church of Christ in Christian Union, 1033 Charlevoix Avenue, Wheelersburg, Ohio 45694 with Rev. Dan Tipton and Rev. Michael Holbrook officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Burial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. on Monday and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to SOMC Hospice in Michaels name for their great care. Arrangements are under the Direction of SWICK-BUSSA-CHAMBERLIN FUNERAL HOME in Wheelersburg. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.swickbussachamberlin.com