Obituaries

Hank “Toby” James Wright of Martinsville, Virginia went to be with the lord on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the young age of 45. He was born to his late father Irvin Clayton Wright and his mother Jeannie Marie Allen on March 14, 1980.

Toby was a God-fearing man and a devout follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, guided by the principles of the Baptist tradition. He was known for his mastery as a brick mason and a woodworker. His passion for craftsmanship was matched only by his adoration for fast cars and sleek motorcycles. You could often find Toby under the hood of a car or immersed in a new crafting project. Though he was always in the midst of a new venture, he never failed to pause and extend kindness to those in need. Toby truly had a loving Christian soul.

Despite a life of numerous hardships, he carried himself with poise and self-respect. He was exasperatingly stubborn and strong-willed. And he was extremely intelligent and clever. Toby was a great admirer of the musical arts, especially 90’s R&B and Soul. His son, Caleb James O’Dell, has said his father’s smile was the brightest while a 90s song played lightly in the background as the family enjoyed dinner together. Caleb was the light of his life and his guiding star. In addition to his son, he had an inseparable bond with his mother, Jeannie. They both shared a similar spiritual affinity fostering a singular closeness built on love, trust, and unwavering support.

Alongside his son and his mother, he is lovingly remembered by his brother, Jason Clayton Wright; his aunts, Carolyn Hale and Pam Howell (Kenneth); his uncle’s James David Handy, William Daniel Handy (Shirley), and Michael G Harrison (Lisa); his beloved dog Loco La Vida; two nieces; and other family members and many precious friends.

A gathering to honor the life of Toby will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel at 1:00pm. The family will receive close friends one hour prior to the service. A burial will follow at Critz Baptist Church Cemetery.

Bassett Funeral Service is serving the Wright family.