Arnold Wright's Obituary
Retired Post Command Sargent Major Arnold Wright began his last duty on October 19, 2019 after a month long hospital stay. He was 84 years old.
Arnold was born in Friar’s Point, Mississippi and began his long and honorable military career in 1950. Two years later, as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division and not yet 18 years old, he was sent to serve in the Korean War. He completed two tours there. Arnold also completed a tour in Vietnam with an Ordinance Unit. In July of 1977 after numerous duty assignments in Europe and the US, he came to Fort Lewis WA to fill the post’s top enlisted job, Post Command Sargent Major. He said his earliest ambition in the Army was to be a First Sargent which was the top enlisted rank in the early 1950’s when he first joined.
“Goals change as a person becomes more mature. When the ‘super’ grades E-8 and E-9 came out in the late 1950’s I changed my goal to Sargent Major, then Command Sargent Major. Every soldier should set goals for himself-goals that are obtainable. Upon reaching that goal, set another and another. Strive for more education and more soldiering ability. Become a whole man.”
Arnold held a four-year degree in Business Administration from Columbia College in Missouri and retired from active military service in 1980. After his distinguished military career, he worked as a Maintenance Manager for the Clover Park School District. A career at Bethel School District as their Facility Planning and Construction Manager followed. After Arnold left Bethel School District, he became director of the Tacoma Housing Authority for 8 years.
Arnold was a very active member of the Lakewood-Tacoma community:
He was appointed by Governor Booth Gardener and re-appointed by Governor Gary Locke as a Clover Park Technical College Trustee board member.
An active member and Vice Chairman of Clover Park School District’s Affirmative Action Advisory Council
Co-founder of Lakewood United
Active member and served as Vice Chairman of America’s Credit Union Board of Directors
Served on City of Lakewood transition team
Member of Tacoma Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Association of Washington Housing Authorities
Member of Public Housing Authorities Director’s Association
In 1960 he married “Dot” Dorothy Blackwell (deceased) who soldiered with him through several tours, duties, and moves. She was his strength, his love, and financial wizard for 52 years.
He is survived by his current wife Hilma Tappin-Wright; daughter Sygrid Wright of Charlotte, NC; son Ronald Wright; grandson Kohl Wright; granddaughters Sierra and Sydney Wright; sister Pearl Ponder of San Diego CA; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his current wife's children, Darrell, Taibika, Steven, and Jeh-Sun.
What’s your fondest memory of Arnold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arnold?
Share a story where Arnold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arnold you’ll never forget.
How did Arnold make you smile?