Charles Thomas “Tommy” Wright was born April 4, 1989, to Tom and Dayna Wright of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Tommy was a member of Faithbridge United Methodist Church, where he served as a youth counselor and was a member of the praise band. He also assisted with the youth at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church.

There were many activities Tommy participated in and enjoyed. He developed a love for music early in life and played the bass guitar at church. He loved attending concerts with his father and sister. Tommy and his friends would often go night hiking on the numerous trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He could often be found playing pick-up basketball in Blowing Rock Park.

Tommy enjoyed working with youth and had a special heart for those who were less fortunate. He loved going on mission trips and engaging with the people he met. Everyone knew that Tommy was proud of and loved his athletic shoes. He bought a new pair before going on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. As their bus was leaving to return home, Tommy gave his new shoes to a youth who had no shoes at all. That was Tommy, always thinking about others before himself.

Tommy was a member of the Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue Squad and was attending Caldwell Community College to become a paramedic. Blowing Rock Fire Chief Kent Graham had this to say: “Tommy would stop by the fire department office every Monday afternoon with the same question. ‘What’s training going to be tonight?’ Even if the answer was undecided, Tommy would say, ‘Right on, right on.’ We never saw anyone more excited about learning more ways to help. He was involved in training with everything he had. It was obvious that discovering the opportunities for helping people through the fire service was the end of a purposeful search for Tommy. So many people to help in so many different ways was an answer to his prayers. In the midst of paramedic school, company drills, and every certification class he could attend, Tommy gave everything he could. Tommy’s life in the fire service was telling of his values and approach to life. He helped firefighters, family members, church youth, and strangers. No matter who it was or what their struggles may be, Tommy Wright was wholly dedicated to finding ways to help others.”

Tommy is survived by his parents, Tom and Dayna Wright; his sister, Lindsay Wright Garcia, and husband, Jorge; his maternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Tom Aldridge; his paternal grandmothers, Barbara Wright and Carol Wright; his late paternal grandfather, Thomas Wright, Sr.; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.