Israel Neverette Wright, age 79, passed away in the early afternoon on Saturday, June 22 at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple. He was born on June 7, 1945, to parents Josefina ( Neverette) and Nicanor Wright in Alpine.

He grew up in Alpine learning at an early age how to have a very strong work ethic. He grew up working in the cotton fields with his siblings which taught them all about the life lessons of working hard and doing the best in all endeavors. In 1995 he moved to Florence where he worked for Isbell Construction. Israel worked with heavy equipment, was proud of his job, and stayed working until his death.

Israel was a loving and patient man; he was always dressed very nicely and wore a hat all the time. He loved spending time with friends and family and enjoying outdoor events, he loved muscle cars but mostly loved his time with his grandchildren. He was devoted to his Christian faith all his life.

Israel is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janie Bustillos Wright, a son Israel Jr., his sister Mary Wright, and brothers Miguel Wright, David Wright, and Rodolfo Wright.

He leaves behind his common-law wife, Debra of Florence, his son Jacob and wife Dr. Claudia of Eagle Pass, grandchildren Jacob Israel Wright Jr., of Houston, and Jacqueline V. Wright of College Station. Israel’s two brothers Nicanor Wright of Alpine and Abel Wright of Odessa, and sister Naomi Wright of San Antonio. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone in the family and the many friends made through his life’s journey while on this Earth.

A service for Israel will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. at Florence Baptist Church, and a burial of ashes on Saturday, June 29 at 10 a.m. at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine.