Joseph Grant Wright

Joseph Grant Wright (86) passed away on April 27, 2024 in Visalia, California. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend, who will be greatly missed. Joe was born in Tulare on Dec. 29, 1937, at the old county hospital. He was the third of four sons of Floyd and Martha Wright. The family moved to Visalia in 1938, and Joe grew up there and never wanted to leave. He graduated from Mt. Whitney High School and attended College of the Sequoias to obtain his Associates degree. Joe enjoyed the outdoors and spent his free time with friends roaming the valley, hunting quail, ducks, dove, and fishing in the mountain lakes. He served in the Army from 1956-1959, and he joined Southern California Edison in 1965 and worked there 31 years. Joe met his wife, Molly, in 1965, and they settled down in Visalia. Their three daughters, Mary Jane, Kerry, and Shannon, all grew up there and also graduated from Mt. Whitney High School. He was a devoted husband and father, who, despite being surrounded by women, maintained a gentle and calm demeanor punctuated by a down to earth sense of humor. He found refuge at his favorite restaurant, Mearle's Drive In, and referred to it as his "office." He had numerous long-standing friend groups that met there on a daily and weekly basis. He continued these groups even after Mearle's closed, moving to various locations around town, and he was at a gathering just one week prior to his death. After the birth of his first grandson, Joe became "Papa Joe." He was an involved and supportive grandfather, attending sporting events and school recitals, taking his grandchildren fishing, and bonding over old western movies, such as Big Jake. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Martha Wright, and all of his brothers, Floyd, J.W. and Will. He is survived by his wife, Molly, his daughters, Mary Jane Wright, Kerry Wright, and Shannon de Malignon, and his four grandchildren, Ethan (29), Jake (22), Faith (18), and Maxx (17). A viewing will be held on Sunday, May 12 from 4-7pm at Salser and Dillard, and graveside services will be held at Visalia Cemetery on Monday, May 13 at 10am with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warrior Project are encouraged. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Joseph Grant Wright

December 29, 1937 - April 27, 2024