Daniel Paul Wright, AKA Deacon Dan, Mr. Dan, Mr. Dan-The Used Car Man, Danny will always be remembered for his infectious smile and hearty laughter.

Born to John Lee and Frances Marie Wright on March 9, 1950, in Columbus, Ohio, he was the youngest of three children. As an avid sportsman, Dan settled on football at an early age and led his high school alma mater, the Marion Franklin Red Devils to the city championship in 1968. He graduated from Marion Franklin High School in 1969 and matriculated at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan on a full football scholarship. Dan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1973.

Dan first saw the love of his life, Toleda Ross while driving on Third Street in Abilene Texas where both were employed. They later met one evening and the rest is history. They were married 46 years and had three children, Elisheia Hatcher, Kevin Hatcher and Shane Wright.

Upon graduation from Northwood University, Dan accepted the position of District Manager in Abilene, Texas with Oldsmobile Corporation. Several new car dealers ordered their inventory through him in his capacity as a factory liaison. Dan later worked for American Motors in the same capacity and finally accepted a position with Chrysler Corporation. The family relocated to Houston, Texas in 1987. Dan later left the wholesale sector of the car industry and began building his own car business. Right Way Auto Sales remains a successful business in Houston and is one of his proudest accomplishments for being able to serve a community where one could afford to purchase a reliable auto. He became known as “Mr. Dan, the Used Car Man.”

Dan accepted Christ as his LORD and Master at an early age and was not just a Hearer of the WORD but a Doer. Although his career moved him around the country requiring him to reside in several cities, he made sure he found a place to worship. Upon moving to Houston with his family he united with several churches. At the time of his untimely death, he was an active member of The Luke serving as a Deacon being ordained October 22, 2017. He was also active in several other Ministries.

Dan’s Christian commitment opened his heart and mind to realize that selling cars was not all he wanted to do in his business community. He allowed the less fortunate in the community a place to use restrooms and even provided a microwave to reheat meals so that cold food would not be consumed. Along with his brother Skip and Mr. Leo, the lot manager, Dan prayed with visitors and offered counseling and mentoring. The sign displayed in the lobby read “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15.” This sign caught the attention of many and usually segued into an opportunity to speak about the goodness of God.

Dan was an avid fisherman who loved to fish for crappie and bass from his boat. He was also passionate about Cuban cigars, traveling, watching sports and old western movies. Despite his busy schedule, he remained active in the community by mentoring youth at Bammel Middle School and Jack Fields Elementary School.

On the morning of March 5, 2024, surrounded by his family and several members of The Luke, Dan went to be with the LORD. Preceding him in death were his parents, John Lee and Frances Marie, Brother John Lee “Skip” Wright, Jr. and daughter Elisheia Hatcher.

Dan leaves to cherish his memories his beloved wife of 46 years, Toleda who he affectionately called Tee, sons Kevin C. Hatcher (Jenn) and Shane K. Wright, his heartbeat and namesake grandson Daniel C. Hatcher, brother Ronald Wright (Karen), Sisters-in-Law Betty Jo Wright, Lola Spearman(Vernon), Doris Gee, nephews, Jeffery Wright (Shaunell), Gregory Wright, Trey Wright, Xavier Spearman (LaResha), nieces Gemina Okoli (Dozie), Pastor Shannel Burrows (Eldridge) and a host of relatives and friends.