Charles Eric Wright

Charles Eric Wright, 49, of Picayune, MS, passed away on January 10, 2026.

He was born in Meridian, MS, in 1976 and went on to become a lifelong educator. Eric attended Columbia High School before studying music education and history at Pearl River Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University. 

He had a passion for teaching, which led him to a career in education. He taught middle and high school students history, music, band, and other subjects for Picayune, Poplarville, Pearl River Central, Jackson County, and Benton County School Districts for over 15 years, where he loved the challenges of educating the next generation.

Eric is remembered by countless students and colleagues as a kind individual and positive influence who loved his students and wanted to see them be successful in life. 

While most know that Eric was an impressive musician, they probably don’t know he volunteered his time at Chalmette Battlefield on weekends. He believed education was important and wanted the next generation of students to become great historians like himself. Eric also spent several years as a music minister, where he led choirs and churches in praise and worship. 

Eric’s greatest lesson in life was to teach everyone he encountered that God is love. He was unconditionally kind, and it was evident in almost every interaction people had with him. While we will all miss him greatly, we can rest assured that if anyone is with our Father, it is Eric. He’s already been there once, and he said he would not miss his chance the next time. Psalms 18. 

Eric was preceded in death by his grandparents, Adam and Kate Wright, Dee and Mildred Byram, and his father, Charles Ervin Wright, and is survived by his wife, Krystal Wright, one daughter, Halley Wright, one son, Charles Elijah Wright, one stepson, Matthew Dawsey, mother, Janis Wright-Harwell, and stepfather, Thomas Harwell, and brother-in-law, Coley Thompson.

Our family invites you to join us for a Celebration of Life in Eric's honor at the Chalmette Battlefield/Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 1 Battlefield Rd., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, February 7, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM. If you would like to bring a photo of Eric to share with the family, there will be a board of photos for you to add to. Donations in Eric Wright’s name may be made to Chalmette Battlefield by going to: nps.gov/jela/getinvolved/supportyourpark/index.htm 

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