Billy "Clauddell" Wright

Billy “Clauddell” Wright, age 92, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Clauddell was born on October 10, 1933, in Amarillo, Texas, to the late Claude and Grace Wright. He

graduated from Amarillo High School in 1952 and went on to attend Oklahoma State University, where

he was a member of two NCAA National Championship wrestling teams and earned a degree in

mechanical engineering. After graduating from college, Clauddell proudly served in the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers.

After completing his service, Clauddell returned home to Amarillo, where a chance moment would

change his life forever. At an Assemblies of God church softball game, he collided with a beautiful

young woman as she stood on second base, knocking her clean off her feet. When she looked up at

him, he fell instantly in love. This story became a favorite, passed down through generations, marking

the beginning of his life with Shirley Fields. The two were married in 1957 and shared 63 years of

marriage.

Clauddell was a dreamer and a builder. Drawing from his engineering background and a deep desire to

serve others, he founded Clauddell Wright Construction Company. In business, he was known for his

sharp intellect, strong logic, and determined work ethic. To friends and family, he was known for his

passion, charm, and generosity. Almost everyone who met Clauddell knew he was unapologetically

himself and unafraid to stand firm in his beliefs.

He served as president of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association and lived a life rooted in faith.

Above all else, Clauddell was devoted to his family, always placing their success and well-being at the

center of everything he did. He was a gifted storyteller, a natural charmer, and a man whose bold

presence left a lasting legacy throughout the city of Amarillo.

Clauddell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley Wright, who passed away in July 2021

after a battle with cancer.

He is survived by his brother, Mel Wright, and wife, Ellen; his children, Kevin Wright and wife, Alexis,

Karen Williams and husband, Terry, and Kelly Haberman and husband, Preston; eight grandchildren,

Renee, Regina, Rebecca, Kayla, Keaton, Gina, Bronwyn, Boaz, and Holland; and five

great-grandchildren, Christian, Carter, Caylee, London, and Brecken.

A memorial service honoring Clauddell’s life will be held on December 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at More

Church located at 5511 W Amarillo Blvd.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Life Church, Amarillo, Texas, or Restoration Apostolic

Ministries, Canyon, Texas.