Nolen Wright

NOLEN RAY WRIGHT, age 80, of Dandridge, TN died Thursday, August 2, 2018. For 62 years, Nolen was a loving husband to his wife, Phyllis. Together, they had three children: Marsha and her husband Butch, Van and his wife Lorri, and Derrick and his wife Christi; five grandchildren: Brad and his wife Jessica, Shane and his wife Whitney, Madison, Taylor, and Grace; and three great grandchildren: Alex, Layla, and Hudson. For 30 years, Nolen worked as a coal miner in Jenkins, Kentucky, retiring in 1992. However, the end of one career only led to another. In 1974, Nolen made his first leather belt to wear while working in the mines. He would eventually form his own leather shop, The Wright Stuff Leather; a business he and Phyllis would run with great success. Four decades later, countless companies, craft shows, and individuals throughout the country have enjoyed Nolen’s hand-crafted leather goods. To say that Nolen touched many lives is an understatement. For those who knew him, Nolen will forever be remembered as a faithful friend. Nolen never met a stranger and friendship was only a short conversation away. Nolen’s ability to strike up conversation and generate sales for his thriving leather business will never be matched. His creative mind, big dreams, and loving soul will forever be missed. Nolen was truly one of kind. Nolen was a member of Beech Springs Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Nolen loved to hunt and fish and was happiest surrounded by the friends and family he cherished most. In lieu of flowers, Nolen’s family asks that donations be made to: Beech Springs Baptist Church building fund, 581 Johnson Rd., Kodak, TN 37764 or The National Kidney foundation, https://www.kidney.org/support. Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Dandridge Memorial Gardens in Dandridge, TN. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, TN