Algie Alexander Wright Jr., 83, electrical contractor
An active churchman, he was often called on to sing at funerals and other events.
THE GOSPEL SONG that Algie Alexander Wright Jr. liked to sing told his own story.
Whether he intended it or not, the hymn, "May the Life I Live Speak for Me," was a perfect summation of the character and attainments of this special man.
Algie lived his faith, a generous, considerate individual who was always available to help anyone in need. His life and work spoke volumes about him.
As an electrical contractor, he often donated his work to those who couldn't pay.
"He was always helping people," said his wife of 56 years, the former Elaine Scott.
Algie Wright Jr., who was proud of being the first black member of a Philadelphia electrical-workers union, a combat veteran of the Korean War, a devoted churchman and family patriarch, died Nov. 5. He was 83 and lived in Germantown.
He was born in Mecklenburg County, Va., to Willie C. and Algie A. Wright Sr.
He was educated in the public schools of Mecklenburg County, and enlisted in the Army. He fought in the Korean War, but rarely spoke of the experience.
"He talked about living in a foxhole and how the shells going off hurt his ears, but that was about all he said," his wife said.
After his discharge, Algie attended James Solomon Russell Training School in Lawrenceville, Va., and studied the electrical and brickmason trades.
He came to Philadelphia in 1955 and worked as an electrician before starting his own company, Wright's Electrical, a one-man operation he ran until he retired in the early 2000s.
Algie was proud of being a pioneer as a black member of Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Algie's spiritual life began at Ascension Episcopal Church in Palmer Springs, Va., where he was baptized. When he moved to the Philadelphia area, he joined First Baptist Church of Morton, in Delaware County. He later became an active member of Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown, where he sang on the choir.
Because of his rich baritone, Algie was often called on to sing at other events, including funerals. Among his favorite hymns was "Somewhere Around God's Throne."
He married Elaine Scott in 1957.
"He had a joke for every occasion, and enjoyed good times," his family said. "He really enjoyed spending time with his sisters and returning home to Palmer Springs, Va.
"His family consisted not only of blood relatives, but also others he helped raise, who were also considered family."
Besides his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Linda Wright, Lisa Peek and Cindy Whiting; two sons, Edward and Kevin; four sisters, Carrie Ritter, Margaret Talley, Cornelia Harcum and Jacqueline Rush; 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Services: 10 a.m. Friday at Corinthian Baptist Church of Germantown, 6100 N. 21st St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown.