Legendary high school football coach, Elbert Lum “Coach” Wright Sr. of Vicksburg, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was 86.

Elbert Wright was born in Vicksburg on July 3, 1930 to the late Benjamin Franklin Wright and Laura Rollison Wright.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Hazel Wright Bove, Lillian Wright Stevens, Ruth Wright Jacks, Elizabeth Wright Eddington, Doris Wright Smith; three brothers, John B. Wright, James Wright and Sam P. Wright; and a granddaughter, Rachel Wright.

Elbert was in the 123rd Medical Collection Company of the Mississippi National Guard while at East Mississippi Community College. They were called to active duty with the U.S. Army on August 9, 1950.

He served in the 123rd Medical Holding Company while in Korea until July 6, 1951.  He received an honorable discharge from the Mississippi National Guard on Sept. 5, 1952.  Coach Wright had a long and distinguished coaching career where he repeatedly inspired those who crossed his path. Tough and demanding, he was a teacher and molder of young men.

Coach Wright won 361 lifetime games in a 45-year span that ended with his being nominated into the National Federation of State High School Association’s Hall of Fame. Coach Wright was a seven-time recipient of the Coach of the Year award, who fashioned six undefeated seasons and had two 27 game winning streaks.

A member of five  different Halls of Fame, Coach Wright retired in 2000 at the age of 70 as number 9 in all time wins in the nation.  Elbert Wright was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Yokena.

He is survived by a brother, Frank D. Wright; one sister, Betty Wright Lanier; his sons, Elbert “Lum” Wright, Jr.(Mary Pat), William Keith Wright (Jane), Timothy Joe Wright (Sherri), and Gary Frank Wright (Pam); his grandchildren, Bert Wright (Tara), Tony Wright (Jenny), Patti Wright Salazar (Rick), Katie Wright Kelly (Brian), Tiffany Scallions and Megan Wright; and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at Frank J. Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. Brian Ables officiating. Burial will follow at Yokena Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, and at 10 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of service.

Pallbearers will be Bert Wright, Tony Wright, Bobby Jack Wright, John Wright, Darrell Purvis and Ken McLemore.  Honorary pallbearers will be all former players and coaches.

Memorial donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.