William Jabez Wright III

William “Bill” Jabez Wright, III, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the age of 56. He was a longtime resident of Easton, MD, and the Eastern Shore. He is survived by his mother, Barbara Wright; his son, William “Billy” Jabez Wright, IV; sisters Kathy Reigel (Steve) and Sue Wiman (Michael); his girlfriend, Lettie Weldon; nieces, Megan Magnus (Ezra) and Heather Harpine (Joe); and nephew, Ryan Reigel (Candace). Born in Washington, DC, to Barbara (Richter) and William “Bill” Jabez Wright, Jr., Bill’s childhood and adolescent years were spent in Bowie, MD, where he forged life-long friendships and created memories that he would often reminisce about later in life with a genuine fondness. It was while growing up in Bowie that Bill’s avid interest and intense passion for music first began to evolve – visiting the local record store, listening endlessly to his transistor radio, blasting his vinyl records on his record player, and attending countless concerts at the Capital Centre and other venues. After graduating from Bowie High School, Bill went on to complete an Associate’s Degree from the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland that enabled him to leverage his love of music and unbelievable breadth of musical knowledge to create the foundation for what would become his life’s passion. Bill found success as a Radio DJ for over 30 years on local Maryland stations including 103.1 WRNR, 90.5 WKHS, and 101.5 WHCP. Known for his radio show “RoadTrippin’ with Bill Wright” he prided himself on playing music that transcended all genres with a specific focus on spotlighting tunes outside of the typical set list. Bill developed an allegiant fan base that listened in with appreciation for his unique, laid-back style and the joy that was so evident as he shared his love of music. In addition to his career on radio, Bill also owned multiple record stores over the years located in Easton, Centreville, and Chestertown, MD. Through these venues, Bill excelled in sharing his mental encyclopedia of musical knowledge and creating “an escape” of sorts for local residents where they could browse, listen and share a unique camaraderie with other music enthusiasts. So often his store served as the catalyst for his customers discovering new sounds and artists or for being the place to just hang out and make groovy friends. Bill was a very caring and thoughtful person who cultivated many friendships, always impacting others in a positive way through his humor, joy and respect for everyone. Bill loved life and treasured his relationships with his son, Billy, of whom he was so proud, his self-described soul mate, Lettie Weldon, his mom and sisters, his large, lively extended family and his many friends, old and new. He will be sorely missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bill’s memory may be directed to support MDS Research at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/our_center/charitable_giving/in_lieu_of.html. For friends and family who wish to pay their respects, a viewing/visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 3, 2023, 2 - 4 p.m. followed by a funeral service from 4 - 5 p.m. at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, 106 Shamrock Road, Chester, MD 21619, (410) 643 2226. A reception will follow services from 5:15-7:15 p.m. at the Hyatt Place Hotel, 3028 Kent Narrows Way South, Grasonville, MD 21638, (443) 446 6000.

William Jabez Wright III

May 11, 1966 - January 24, 2023