Robert Earl Wright

Robert Earl Wright "Bobby" of Hurlock, Maryland passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at his home, at the age of 90. He was born on July 16, 1933 in Harmony, Caroline County, Maryland the son of the late William Earl Wright and Inez Wright Davis. He graduated from Preston High School with the class of 1951. He was married on July 26, 1952 to Elsie Joanne Wheatley Wright and they made their home in Hurlock. She preceded him in death on November 26, 2020 after 68 years of marriage. Following his education, Bobby started his working career for E.I. DuPont in Seaford, DE. Over the years, he wore many hats - but always managed to umpire and referee full time. He worked for Acme Markets, was self- employed as a handyman, worked as a plumber with Ernest Barnes and later worked for the United States Post Office as a rural carrier until his retirement in 1995. Bobby was the founder of Tri City Little League in 1955. He later founded Northern Bayside Umpire's Association and the lower Delaware Umpire's Association and interpreted the rules for both. He also was scoutmaster for troop #167 in Hurlock for many years. Many generations witnessed his commanding presence as an official on the ballfields of the Eastern Shore. Not limited to baseball and softball, Bobby loved all sports. He refereed football, soccer, basketball, and almost any sport known to children and adults. He would often refer to the field as "his sandbox" and was known to leave an impression on countless kids who were learning the game. Bobby had many hobbies including erector sets, model trains, baseball cards, and collecting local historical memorabilia. He is survived by four children: Donna Wright of Dover, DE, D.C. (Diane) Wright and Patricia "Patty" (David) Eskridge all of Hurlock, and David (Cathy) Wright of Greensboro; six grandchildren: David (Tabitha) Eskridge, Jr., Patrick Eskridge, Fred Wildt, Erica (Kenny) Fox, Khris Wildt and Samantha Wright; six great-grandchildren: Joseph Fox, Ashley Wildt, Rose Eskridge, Paxton Fox, Peyton Eskridge and Bristol Fox; and one brother William "Billy" (Sally) Wright of Frederica, DE. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Theodore "Teddy" Wright, and a great grandson Nicholas Barnes. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 11:00 at the Framptom Funeral Home in Federalsburg. His son, D.C. Wright will officiate. Burial will follow at Unity-Washington Cemetery in Hurlock. The family will receive friends Friday 6:00 to 8:00pm and Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00am. Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Cole, Wayne Startt, Bobby Powell, Jamie Sedgwick, Michael Henry and Frankie Bennett. Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick Eskridge and David Eskridge. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church, 301 Poplar St, Hurlock, MD 21643 or to Tri City Little League, Post Office Box 209, Hurlock, MD 21643.

Robert Earl Wright

July 16, 1933 - November 19, 2023