Mr. Ernest Aurthur Lee Wright, Sr., 90 , entered into eternal rest on May 23, 2023 at Riverside Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.  During his transition, he was surrounded by his loving family.

Ernest Wright was born to the late Lottie Muse Carter and Percy Wright on April 2, 1933 in Warwick County, Virginia (Yorktown). Ernest was blessed with two close relatives who played a major part in his upbringing: Mr. & Mrs. Edward and Emily Taylor (deceased) of Yorktown, Virginia.

In June of 1955 Ernest married Evelyn R. Wright, and in that union, nine (9) children where born. Ernest married Doris J. Manly Wright in the spring of 1992, together they celebrated 30 years of marriage until she unexpectedly passed in 2017.  He was educated in the York County Public School System and was a graduate of the York County Training School.  After graduation, he entered the United States Army and received an honorable discharge.

After a successful military career, he was employed by the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, where he retired after 35 ½ years of service. "Arthur Lee ", as he was affectionately called, was a distinguished looking man.  He was extremely handsome and always well groomed and well dressed.

He was without question "Chef Extraordinaire".  Ernest was an excellent cook.  Anytime you stopped by, he always had something prepared for you to eat… whether it was baby back ribs from his gas grill or fried fish.  The taste of his cookout and holiday meals will never be forgotten.  He absolutely loved to cook!

Ernest accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, and he served faithfully on the board of Deacons at Lebanese Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by Evelyn R. Wright, Doris J. Wright, Pastor Sylethia A. Hawkins, Royal F. Carter, Sr., Royal F. Carter, Jr., Vivian Carter, Troy L. Wright, Selletta R. Harris, Domingo S. Davis, Sr., and Domingo S. Davis, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, two sisters, Helen Richeson (Carlye), Ada White; his brother, William E. Carter; four sons, Brett L. Wright, Larry D. Wright, Ernest Wright Jr. (Ella), Antoine D. Wright, Sr.; four daughters, Udora D. Jones (Keith), Clover A. Cooper (Antonio), Paula A. Wright, Sherri Phillips Bernard (Robert); and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

It hurts us to lose you so suddenly, but we say with joy, rest in peace, good night and we'll see you in the morning.

The viewing will be held 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Virginia 23607.  A funeral service will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the funeral home chapel.  The Entombment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606.