Community Leader and Well-Known Dentist Dr. Melvin Wright, Sr., 87, Has Passed

Dr. Melvin Wright is a long-time native of the Jackson area, he has been a pillar of the community for decades and has undoubtedly aided in enhancing the oral health of all. After graduating with his Bachelors of Science from Tennessee State University in 1958, Dr. Wright went on to obtain his DDS from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. In addition to successfully receiving his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, Dr. Wright would later receive numerous awards and recognitions; Honorary Doctor of Humanities, Outstanding Service Award and the Lane College Meritorious Award just to name a few.

Dr. Wright begin providing dental care in a private practice in 1967 until 2018 when he pursued a position as the General Dentist at Helping Hands of Tennessee. During his tenure in private as well as at Helping Hands Dr. Wright took great joy in rendering care to the underprivileged as well as the intellectually challenged, thus providing each with the utmost level of individualized care.

Dr. Wright is a proud Veteran of the United States Army in which he served as a Captain. He also serves on the Executive Committee of the NAACP and an Advisory for Tennessee Technical Institute. Additionally, Dr. Wright is a member of the following organizations; the American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Lane College Alumni Association and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Wright was the first and only dentist at Helping Hands until summer 2019.

He also lead and served on multiple boards including the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, Pan-Tennessee State Dental Association, NAACP, the YMCA, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce(which he was the first chair of), Lane College, American Legion Post 91, Operation PUSH, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Jackson Symphony Association (which he was the first Black president of), St. Paul CME Church, the Board of Trustees (Western State Mental Health Institution and the State Department of Mental Helath), the state board of education, and Jackson Downtown Rotatry Club. Wright was also a charter member of the 100 Black Men of West Tennessee. Wright was on the committee that oversaw the condolidation of Madison County and Jackson City Schools into what is now known as the Jackson Madison County School System.

Wright was the grand marshal of the 2015 City of Jackson Christmas Parade, in which he recieved a plaque.

He was named as “Man of the Year” by the Exchange Club in 2018 for his work in the city; honored with a “Melvin Wright Day” by former City of Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist and was the subject of the Rotary Club’s |This is Your Life”.

Wright was married for over 60 years to Mrs. Georgia Wright. The couple have two children (Melinda Ann and Melvin Jr.) and grandchildren, accordign to the Dove Dentistry bio.