William Talmadge Wright

William Talmadge Wright, 86, died on February 10, 2026 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Billy was a life-long resident of Sandersville, a graduate of Sandersville High School and a life-long member of Sisters Baptist Church. He spent his working years in the kaolin industry and retired at age 55 after managing the warehouse at American Industrial Clay Company, which became Imerys. After retiring, he worked for many years helping to manage the farm of Marion Meeks, with his good friend Byron Carter.

Billy is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty June Hartley Wright, resident of Heritage Inn in Sandersville; daughter Sharon Smith and her son Dalton; and son Greg Wright and his husband Peter Franklin of Tryon North Carolina. He treasured his nieces and nephews and considered them his own. He was particularly close to niece Deborah Meeks and nephews John and Cliff Wright.

He is predeceased by his parents Talmadge and Bertha Wright and brothers Tommy and C.H. Wright.

The family is grateful to all of his family and friends for their support, his caregivers, the staff at Heritage Inn and Affinis Hospice.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Sisters Baptist Church, with visitation following the service. The family will be at the home of Sharon Smith, 7250 Highway 88, Sandersville.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Sisters Baptist Church or the Sandersville First Church of the Nazarene.

Condolences may be made online at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.