Davie A. Wright

Davie Wright, 82, passed away August 1, 2022 at his home. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by countless family and friends.

All are invited to a visitation and viewing on Thursday, August 11th from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Hull & Hull
Funeral Directors in Grants Pass and to an 11:00 a.m. graveside service Friday, August 12th at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens.

Davie was born in Denver City, Texas in 1940 and grew-up in New Mexico with his parents, John and Lois Wright, his four brothers, and one sister. He and his siblings all lent a hand assisting in the family business, drilling water wells. After graduating from Hachita (population 49 as of the 2010 census) High School in 1958, he entered the U.S. Marine Corps and received his training at Camp Pendleton in California. This was his first travel of any distance away from home, and he often said with a smile that it was the first time he realized how poor they were. After serving an 18 month tour in Okinawa, he was later accepted into the Marines’ flight school in Pensacola, FL. While he ultimately chose not to attend, he was understandably proud of that accomplishment. Following his military service, he became a deputy sheriff in Orange County, California and loved his years of service there.

In 1968, Davie and his young family relocated to Grants Pass where he operated a service station. At the same time, he drew on his experience drilling wells, to open Pine Creek Company, which serviced both water well pumps and service station fuel pumps. Through a series of events, including the fuel crisis of 1973, Pine Creek took on sign manufacturing and became Western Sign Systems which remains in operation today. A noteworthy company project includes the historic “It’s the Climate” sign in Grants Pass, which was recreated from old photos and a few original sign pieces that were found rusting in a field. Additionally, Western Sign made several highly custom architectural displays in the 80s that were installed inside NIKE World stores as far away as Japan. For years he donated his time and equipment to help hang lights throughout downtown each Christmas. Davie ran his company for 50 years, happily working alongside numerous family members and employees who he greatly admired and with whom he enjoyed “talking shop.”

Davie had a small farm for years and loved spending time completing projects with his tractor, deer hunting in the fall; including a four-point buck on his own property using his Pioneer Hunting license he received in 2021, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. We all treasure the countless hours and holidays spent around the table laughing and playing his favorite dominoes game, 42. His quick wit, modesty and quiet generosity were appreciated by all. Davie was baptized in 1962, had a strong faith in God, and would truly do anything for anyone. Davie was a dedicated and loving husband.

Davie is survived by his wife, Kim; his sons Greg (Dianna), Clint (Sonja), Cliff (Michelle) and their mom, Joan; sons Tony (Shelly), and Todd; Kim’s children Anthony (Chelcie) and Karley (Andrew); 11 grandchildren (Ben, Colby, Courtney, Hailee, Jesse, Jordan, Madison, Shawn, Aubrey, Kodah, and Michael); 11 great-grandchildren; brother Ronnie (Maryann); many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by wife, Connie; a great grandchild, Milo; Kim’s son, James; his parents; and four siblings.