Danville, Ky. - Gary Wright '64, a standout two-sport athlete at Centre College and area business leader, died August 20, 2026, at age 84.
After graduating from Centre, he earned his master's degree in business from Xavier University in Cincinnati. Wright made his mark on Kentucky and Ohio by founding the Southwestern College of Business in the Cincinnati area. By the time he retired to St. Pete Beach, Florida, in 2004, the school had grown to five locations.
Wright shared his success with others, donating to both Centre and his hometown of Ashland, Kentucky, to help fund renovations to baseball fields at each.
"Gary's Wright's success on the field and in business is a testament to his work ethic and dedication. His generosity in helping future generations enjoy advantages he didn't have is a testament to who he was as a person," said Centre President Milton C. Moreland. "I count myself lucky to have known Gary and Centre is certainly lucky to have alumni like him who care deeply about the College, our students and the community here."
Centre named its baseball field in Wright's honor in 2007 and dedicated the newly renovated Gary Wright Field at Fishman Park in 2022. The state-of-the-art complex ranks among the best facilities in all of NCAA Division III. Since making the field their home, the Colonels have won 79 percent of their games at home over the past four years, winning two Southern Athletic Association titles and making three appearances in the NCAA Division III playoffs.
In recognition of his impact on the program, the Centre baseball team will wear a commemorative patch dedicated to Wright on their uniforms this season.
"Gary left an enduring legacy at Centre College by his play on the field, and later by helping support those who followed in his footsteps," said Brad Fields '98, Centre College Director of Athletics and Recreation. "Gary was as kind as he was humble. His generosity was inspiring and it was a privilege to have called him a friend. He will be sorely missed by the Centre community."
Wright earned a spot in the Centre Athletics Hall of Fame as a 4-year letter winner for both the baseball and basketball teams. He started in both sports all four years and was a member of the 1964 Centre basketball team that made the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in its storied history. On the baseball diamond, he was a standout at shortstop, playing every inning of every game through his 4-year career. He served as co-captain during both his junior and senior seasons.
"The opening of the new Gary Wright Field at Fishman Park is a hallmark event in the history of Centre baseball," said Head Baseball Coach Drew Briese '00. "This elite-level training and playing ground will be the home to generations of student-athletes who wear the white and gold. We are proud to have Gary's name on the field and proud to have called him a friend. This program will miss his passion and dedication. He is a Colonel forever."
Prior to attending Centre, he was a standout athlete at Ashland High School, playing baseball for his father, T.R. Wright. After a 2008 visit, he made a donation to renovate the city's baseball field, with the new press box named in honor of his late father.
Wright is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean Wright; his daughters, Christine Wright and Holly Wright; his grandchildren, Niko Hartig and Mia Hartig; and his sisters, Carolyn Greenslait and Rosemary Wright. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, Robert Wright and Tony Wright.
No memorial service was held, per his wishes. The family asks that those who wish to honor his memory consider a contribution to The Parkinson's Foundation.
