Arrow Exterminators Celebrates the Life of John Wright

ATLANTA, Ga. – Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators is reflecting on the legacy of its vice president of sales, John Wright, who passed away on Jan. 28. He was born in Atlanta, Ga. on June 30, 1955 and attended Dekalb College, where he majored in business. In June 1973, Wright began his long and undeniably impactful career at Arrow Exterminators. His love, passion and leadership were known to everyone at Arrow, and he aided in many strategic initiatives for the company. Wright was a well-respected leader and friend to many in the pest control industry, and he truly loved the 49 years he spent working alongside his Arrow family.

“John and the Wright family helped build Arrow Exterminators from the ground up,” said Emily Thomas Kendrick, chief executive officer. “In 1964 my grandparents, Starkey and Imogene Thomas started Arrow, and a few years later, Butsy Wright, John’s father who had worked with Starkey at Orkin, made the leap of faith over to Arrow.

“Butsy was a superstar salesman for Arrow and mentor to my dad. If that wasn’t enough, Butsy and his wife Avon produced an amazing second, third and now fourth generation of Wrights, who have made, and will continue to make, their own special marks on our company.  Arrow wouldn’t be where we are today without the love, support, and hard work of the Wright Family.”

John Wright was one of the best salespeople in the industry, and because of his natural leadership abilities, his career progressed from sales management into the role of vice president of sales. Arrow team members describe John as a friend, father figure, brother, mentor and so much more. Aside from his professional life, he was a dedicated family man. When not fishing or hunting, he loved spending time with his family, including his wife and high school sweetheart of 46 years, Mary Lynn, his two children, Heidi and Jimbo, as well as his grandchildren Emma, Wyatt, Langston, and Porter.

“Where do you even start when it comes to a man who was the full package in all areas of life?” Kendrick said. “Whether he was a rock star in his family and personal life or a rock star in his professional life, John had a real gift with people from all walks of life. He was a natural in sales and in life because of his love for people. He loved to help and provide solutions to whatever situation his family, friends, or colleagues might be in. It was a pleasure and joy to know this outstanding man.”