Rick Wright, guitar for Connie Smith

Michael Douchette · Post by **Michael Douchette** » 8 Feb 2016 10:24 am

It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of Local 257 member, guitarist Rick W. Wright, aka Richard Fagel, in a car accident last night. He was 57 years old and joined Local 257 on January 2, 2002. Not to be confused with drummer Ric Wright, Rick was perhaps best known as the electric guitarist in Grand Ole Opry star Connie Smith’s band. He always played with soul and passion behind her, and the onstage chemistry between the beloved vocalist and her longtime sideman was obvious. He is survived by his wife, Sherrie, and we hope you will join us in keeping her and Rick’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 8 Feb 2016 10:45 am

Sad news. Rick was a good friend and great guitar player. Prayers for his family and friends going up.

Robert Rogers · Post by **Robert Rogers** » 8 Feb 2016 2:00 pm

This is really sad news.I was introduced to Rick by my friend Russ Hicks several years ago and he was such a nice guy.He will be forever missed.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 8 Feb 2016 3:39 pm

So very sorry to hear this, I met Rick a few times in Nashville, what a fine guy and terrific player, He will be missed by his many friends and family.

t

ken collins · Post by **ken collins** » 8 Feb 2016 4:58 pm

So sorry about Rick. I'm sure everyone here in Oklahoma that played music with Rick is proud to have done so and will miss him in many different ways.God Speed, Ken Collins

Kenny Davis · Post by **Kenny Davis** » 8 Feb 2016 7:29 pm

What a loss - Rick was such great talent and nice a guy. My sympathies go out to his family and his "music family."

Weldon Myrick · Post by **Weldon Myrick** » 9 Feb 2016 4:04 pm

So saddened by this news. Weldon went to Norway with Connie, Rick, Ric and Rod back in 2003. He really enjoyed the opportunity to work with Connie and those guys. My prayers go out to his family, Connie and the rest of the band.

Judi Myrick

Roy Peterman · Post by **Roy Peterman** » 9 Feb 2016 7:15 pm

What a loss. Rick was such a nice guy, and one heck of a guitar player. My prayers go out to Rick's family.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 11 Feb 2016 1:27 am

The news regarding this is that Rick was driving home to White House Tenn in his pickup around 10 Pm Sunday night on a two lane, it is reported that an approaching car ( from the other direction) made a left hand turn directly in front of him into a side street, not an intersection or at a traffic light . Ricks truck hit the car broadside and flipped over.

Very sad...

Michael Douchette · Post by **Michael Douchette** » 13 Feb 2016 6:21 am

The visitation and memorial service for Local 257 member Rick Wright, who passed away on February 7, will take place this Sunday, February 15 at the Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home at 2707 Gallatin Road in Nashville Funeral home. Visitation with family and friends will begin at noon and go until 6 p.m., with a memorial service to follow. Rick was a great person and wonderful guitarist who played with Connie Smith for the past 17 years, and was beloved and respected by his peers. Our hearts go out to his wife Sherrie, brother Steve, mother Linda, and all of his friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family of Rick Wright.

An account has been opened at Regions Bank, a deposit can be made at any branch under the account name Sherrie Hensley/Rick Wright Benefit Account. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated.

Here is a link to Rick’s obituary in the Tennessean earlier this week…

http://www.tennessean.com/story/enterta ... /80177874/

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 13 Feb 2016 12:05 pm

Just following up on Mr. Douchette's post with a message from Rod Ham (Connie's bass player):

"We are going to be holding a celebration of Rick’s life event after funeral service Sunday evening in the Parlor room (big room in back) at the Nashville Palace starting as soon as we can after his funeral. There’ll be pickin, singin, jammin, food and sharing stories so hope you can be there as we pay our last respects to Rick.

This is short notice I know but if you’d like to be involved in the pickin or singin part shoot me a note back right away and we will do our best to accommodate anyone who wants to do so."

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 14 Feb 2016 9:04 am

On Friday night - Connie worked her first Opry spot since Rick's death. Vince Gill subbed for Rick on guitar and Bill Anderson stood on the stage during the spot: three members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. They knew they couldn't replace Rick Wright - no one can - but they stood on the stage this night as fellow musicians - Opry family members and Hall of Fame members to honor Rick Wright.

Dale Bennett · Post by **Dale Bennett** » 14 Feb 2016 7:38 pm

Wow, I just got on the forum and saw where Ricky Wright had died. Man that makes me and my wife so sad. Ricky worked with me in Okc for quite a while and I was so proud of him and the way he could play. And Ken Collins is right, there are so many of us here in Okla that will miss him so much. RIP Ricky, we all love you

Tiny Olson · Post by **Tiny Olson** » 18 Feb 2016 2:15 pm

I'm very sorry to hear of Rick's passing. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out for Rick and his family.

Sincerely,
Chris "Tiny" Olson