Wright Thomas:
CLASS OF 1980
Orangeburg-Wilkinson High SchoolClass of 1980
Orangeburg, SC
Wright's Story
After Graduation: I received 3 nominations to the US Air Force academy. ( Strom Thurmond, Fritz Hollings and Floyd Spense) 2 were "Primary" so I was assured an appointment. Even Rep. Earl Middleton -(Orangeburg Legend) gave me letter a recommendation. I did not attend because I was 16 when I graduated. OW. The Academy sent me a letter a few weeks before school started ,to say I was "too young" to be admitted. Although my birthday was 2 weeks later. So I was disappointed to say the least. Too late to apply elsewhere so I attended USC my 1st year.
Attended USC- was an entertainer on campus and the old "electric warehouse" as a dancer. mostly known for performing and "breaking and popping" (when it was new) -Most at USC know me as POP along or Shaba-doo. A few know me as "Spoony Gee". after the rapper. as I did rap until I met my first real rappers from N.Y. who showed me how it was really done. (lol).
I did get an engineering scholarship a few months after I was enrolled at USC. On campus,. I once played ball with magic johnson's sister-I didn't know who she was at 1st. She was on USC's basketball team. I had to leave USC because I started "feeling ill". As usual people made fun and no one believed me. IBS- health issues made me return to Orange burg. I've had IBS over 30 years now.. It has been a plague as teachers and often friends refused to understand. SO I had to struggle through college with a reputation for non attendance for being ill.
Then I was a performer at SCSU.with "the Missing Link"- dance rifle spinning group comprised of OW grads-
Daryl Chavis- Derrick Aiken and Mack Paul - so we did a few shows. "Repp" ing the "burg" in orange.
I Played Bass briefly with "Maximus II", with Troy Mack and Melvin Muller (R.I.P.)
Pledged "Kappa Alpha Psi"- with OW grads such as William Glover, Raymond Dantzler, & Cliff Wright- Spring 1983.
I saw Cliff on TV with Bill Cosby-late 80's- on "you bet your life" "Go O-W!". "Cliff meets Heathcliff".
All my frat brothers are military officers or equally highly successful. I served in the reserves but lost my chance at commission when I was discharged 1982 .(injured on duty-Ft. JAckson SC)
We pledged Under the "DP"- OW grad- Alexander Gardner.(O.W. -SCSU-athletic standout)
Still record holder in football at SCSU.
I'm a former Radio DJ- B106FM in Columbia. Late night / weekends., I think My friend Frances Sheppard-also OW- later worked for B-106. .I also DID some "house wiring" as an electrical bid estimator in Columbia while in SC State.. No houses burned down (lol)
My friend Stan Arrington is a Helicopter pilot for Law enforcement in SC. Good Job" Stan"-
Some of us took "Private pilot" at O-W it used to be a class. (Instructors J Pearson-W. Strickland (RIP))
Moved to Atlanta Area. where i Worked in: IT / CAD/ Engineering/ Sales / also.
Worked for Firearms Training Systems- Designer for weapons simulation late 80's
Worked With Siemens mid 90's - Systems Engineer.
Ran into Tracy West a nice young lady from OW on a flight returning from Chicago.
We shared a seating aisle- (small world).I knew her from earlier working with the OW ROTC dept.
I also ran into "Pinky" Monica Johnson (God Bless) and Anthony Heatly while in Atlanta.
My friends from grade school Lenelll Kennedy and Ronald as well. And briefly had an association with the former Jackie Y Brown As well .(OW grad and church member at my church).
So I never felt too distant from the Burg.
While DJ for radio - I met a Concert promoter - I worked with the Ashford Simpson tour 87 -Cameo- more- Some may remember me handing out free tickets to SCSU and Claflin.
I worked with 1996 Olympics- had an Unlimited pass to go anywhere and event ( 1 of perhaps 200 such badges) authorizations.- I helped design security around venues to include "GA Dome" and "World Congress center". Trying to bring the "Burg" to the games.
I was later Sent to Germany to do software development. Visual Basic- Create a program for Siemens Commissioning engineers to install and calibrate "VFD's". Until I quit my job as an engineer at one of the worlds best engineering companies to be involved in my sons' care and give him a sense of family. I was Daddy Day care 2 years.
Hobby's:? Written a "few songs myself" so I tried to get into entertainment (late 80's met Gene Griffin- manager of Teddy Riley & GUY)) but music had changed. Connected with Stanly Morgan -former SCSU classmate and co-worker SIEMENS, while he went on tour with the "Temptations" playing guitar in Japan. He treated me to seeing the SCSU Bulldogs play in the 1st round of the NCAA championships in Atlanta.
I did meet Millie Jackson's Daughter "Keisha" as her band worked in a local club when I was trying to get into music, but saw the world was too talented and I had no training..
I .once Met Mr. Dominique Wi...Expand for more
lkins he apparently Lives somewhere near Stone Mountain as I ran into him in a store near me- so I got his autograph for my "ex-Wifes" son. .Although with my Olympics pass I could've entered the "Dream teams locker room" and hang out during the 96 Olympics and met them all. But my best friend didn't have clearance and Somethings are not much fun alone. and as a sign of trust I didn't abuse the trust by being on the field or next to Olympians without a real reason.
My son is doing well in school in ORBG. My octogenarian (80's) father helps out regularly with my son and looks out for my interests. (My father (deacon) stays busy- He still takes communion to the sick and shut in). .. My mother was church secretary. SO I grew up with keys to TWo churches. personal friends of all the ministers. Plus we had a farm and animals - so I stayed working for home and church.
My son is 11 in 2012.-My daughter "Austin"21- works in Japan.
My career has never quite recovered from quitting Siemens in 2001.
Right now I support all my friend's efforts. Until I start over at something new.
I have worked with Mike ray studios -with my friend Mike Ray Smith- Hes been on "House of Payne" and "Army Wives" as well as a commercial or two.
I've worked a few months with Maria Howell- (the lead Choir singer from the movie the "Color Purple" She's been on "Army Wives" and many TV and Movies as well.
(army wives, etc- just google "Maria Howell.")
See the "Write up. " opened to a packed house in Atlanta .
google .blacknewscom /news/mike-ray-debut-tv-pilot-the-productive-lie-premiere-atlanta101.
I also worked with Adam L. McKnight, a former star search finalist singer from Kingstree. You can Google him or his final challenge on "YouTube.. He still performs in Atlanta.
Here's a link to MR studios "The helen liindsey story...
The Helen Lindsey Story, Trailer (YouTUBE)
Also to the "Productive lie) -- a few actors you may recognize:
The Productive Lie, Trailer (You TUBE)
I've worked for "Ray Group" a consulting firm where I've designed many electrical installations in Atlanta GA including 1 in the "Pearson water plant in Orangeburg - Edisto Gardens" (small world). and the clayton wastewater reclaim facility. And Atlanta airport.
.Right Now working at Wrigley (gum) for three years as a "temp"- Facility Designer ( 3D modeling and equipment design., but a poor economy & I may be "looking again" soon for employment.
I live alone, learn and do TV and DVDs. Simple life "after" matrimony, a "immediate family members" hospitalization, 2 attempts at foreclosure- ..car accident where I was struck from the rear by a large truck my car (totaled), a year+ of unemployment, my mothers complicated passing and now missing my "son and best friend.",
But still a believer in Christ, forgiveness, and love and fear of "GOD", despite life has been filled with challenges.
.I keep my distance from Orbg, to avoid problems. I've been with IBS over 35 years- Which slowed my the ability to play sports or perform anymore- so I live a rather easy going lifestyle to avoid stress.
I was a avid church figure knowing many ministers as personal friend in Orangeburg until they passed. My last former pastor in Atlanta was honored with Joel Olsteen as the fastest growing church in the nation , unitl he resigned, we are still linkedin friends. So despite not being pious, ,many expected I would get really involved, But I know better, how if not perfect many wouldn't accept the word from me. My knowledge is by study- although many would oppose me- I only wish polygraphs were legal so we could "measure" my sincerity . I had many ups and downs to find most people do not believe the truth - so I avoid conflicts.
Just a "shout out" and "HI" to all those who "know and remember me" as well as congrats to those "happily married and with growing families" and "great jobs". Also to those retired from serving our country.. I envy all your success and achievement but wish you continued success. I remember my OW family and "Felton" Family as well. Still hoping to meet you at the top ..But also to let you know "I remember" our friendships and Community..Just wanted to say Hi to my classmates. life's been interesting if nothing else. I am always happy to hear from friends and know you are doing well..
I'd like to share my website address to show my efforts and skills (but I'm afraid "Classmates" might block it) . I'm just the guy tired of false stories- So I promote my self.- Orangeburg will always be my home town. I only wish Polygraphs were legal to silence my detractors and measure every word I've posted. . Peace...
I only write all this since my health has implications and I'd like to leave a memory of who I am and what I did and was about, while others may desire to alter my story . Just in case. Life's Short. You never know.
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