Funeral Arrangements Announced for Rep. Ron Wright
By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication
Posted on February 17, 2021, February 17, 2021

Rep. Ron Wright

Editor's Note: This article was originally published Feb. 8, 2021 and updated Feb. 17, 2021 with funeral information. 

The City of Arlington pauses today to remember the life and contributions of Rep. Ron Wright, who previously served on the Arlington City Council and as Tarrant County’s Tax Assessor-Collector.

Mr. Wright, R-Arlington, died Sunday, Feb. 7 after a battle with COVID-19. He was 67.

“Congressman Wright will be remembered as a constitutional conservative. He was a statesman, not an ideologue,” according to a statement released by Wright’s office. “Ron and Susan dedicated their lives to fighting for individual freedom, Texas values, and above all, the lives of the unborn. As friends, family, and many of his constituents will know, Ron maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end. Despite years of painful, sometimes debilitating treatment for cancer, Ron never lacked the desire to get up and go to work, to motivate those around him, or to offer fatherly advice.”

A sixth-generation resident of Tarrant County, Mr. Wright graduated from Azle High School in 1971 and then moved to Arlington to attend The University of Texas at Arlington. He was active in political affairs and community service work for more than 30 years and served on numerous boards and commissions focused on issues such as historical preservation, homelessness prevention and improving education.

Mr. Wright served at-large on the Arlington City Council from 2000 to 2008, including the last four years as Mayor Pro Tempore. Additionally, he was the founding president of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation Board of Directors.

The creation of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, the city’s largest philanthropic organization, was among Mr. Wright’s proudest accomplishments during his time on the City Council. Since its creation in 2007, the foundation has awarded more than $25 million in grants to local charities and City Departments who work each day to make Arlington vibrant and strong through educational and recreational opportunities, arts and culture, and social services.

“The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation remains one of the most uniquely positive actions ever taken by an Arlington City Council. It is a far-reaching and visionary product of one of the most consequential city councils in the city’s history. It was a privilege to be present at the creation,” Mr. Wright said during the foundation’s 10th anniversary in 2016.

“I’m saddened at losing a great friend and a great champion for Arlington and Tarrant County,” said Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, adding that Mr. Wright was the driving force behind the creation of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. “Ron was always professional, a man of integrity in everything he did and a voice of reason. He worked hard to find solutions for everyone. And even if people disagreed with him, they respected him.”

 In addition to praising Mr. Wright’s lasting legacy in Arlington and his contributions in Tarrant County, Williams also recognized the congressman for his work to champion the bi-partisan National Medal of Honor Monument Act. This legislation recognizes Arlington as the new home for the future National Medal of Honor Museum and seeks to create a monument in Washington, D.C. to honor the nation’s Medal of Honor recipients.

 “He made so many great contributions to our country,” Williams said.

 Most recently, Mr. Wright served as a member of the U.S. House, representing Texas’ 6th Congressional District.

 Before winning election to Congress in 2019, Mr. Wright served as Tarrant County tax assessor-collector from 2011 to 2017. He also previously worked as district director and chief of staff for former U.S. Congressman Joe Barton, (R-Texas) from 2000 to 2011.

 His legacy includes serving as president of the Arlington Night Shelter, Chairman of the Tarrant County Historical Commission, the Arlington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the Mansfield Education Foundation board, the Executive Committee of Arlington Human Service Planners, the Arlington Historical Society board, and the Arlington Sports Authority. Additionally, he was a weekly columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper from 1995 to 200.

 Mr. Wright received numerous awards recognizing his civic leadership, including Volunteer of the Year, Man of the Year for Community Service, Hero of the Homeless award, Friend of Education commendation, the Partnership Award of the Fort Worth Builders Association, and a special award from the Arlington Historical Society.

 Mr. Wright is survived by his wife, Susan, and their children and grandchildren.

Funeral Arrangements:

Rep. Wright will lie in repose at Arlington's AT&T Stadium Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 from 2-7 p.m. The viewing is open to the public.

A public funeral for Rep. Wright is Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth (3401 W. Lancaster Avenue) beginning at 11 a.m. Most Reverend Michael F. Olson, Bishop of Fort Worth, will preside over the service.

All tributes, flowers and condolences may be sent to:

  • 5840 West Ronald Reagan Memorial Highway
    Suite 115
    Arlington, TX
    76017

If you would like to send flowers to the funeral home, you are welcome to do so. Please use the following address:

  • Moore Funeral Home, Bowen Road Chapel
    4216 S. Bowen Road
    Arlington, TX
    76016
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