Mike Wright
| Mike Wright | |
 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | September 1, 1947 Morristown, Tennessee |
| Death: | July 2, 2024 (aged 76) Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee |
| Education: | United States Military Academy (1969); Harvard Business School (1979) |
| Military: | Captain, U.S. Army (Vietnam and Germany service) |
| Occupation: | Business executive, educator, military officer |
| Party: | Libertarian |
James Michael "Mike" Wright (September 1, 1947 – July 2, 2024) was a Libertarian Party member and candidate, business leader, U.S. Army veteran, and mentor. He ran for Texas Railroad Commission as a Libertarian in 2018.
Early Life and Education
Mike Wright was born in Morristown, Tennessee, where he grew up with a strong connection to the local community and mountains. He was a standout student and athlete at Morristown High School. He later attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1969.
Military and Professional Career
Wright served in both Germany and Vietnam during his military service and rose to the rank of Captain before ending his military career at Fort Riley, Kansas. He then earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1979.
He spent much of his career in the oil and gas industry, working internationally to support strategic business development. In later years, Wright shifted his focus to mentoring and rehabilitating small businesses, as well as teaching at Northbrook High School and Texas Woman’s University.
Political Involvement
In 2018, Mike Wright ran as a Libertarian candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner. Though an underdog, his candidacy exemplified his dedication to offering voters an alternative voice and championing liberty-minded values.
Personal Life
Mike married Doris Phillips in 1978 and settled in Houston, Texas, where they raised two children. He was deeply involved in his church communities, including Spring Branch Presbyterian Church and Chapelwood United Methodist Church.
An avid golfer in his later years, Wright also loved baseball, history, grilling, and road trips. He was particularly proud of his family, including his four granddaughters. He was known for his integrity, dry humor, and unwavering generosity.
Death
Mike Wright passed away in a hiking accident in the Smoky Mountains National Park on July 2, 2024. He was 76. Wright is remembered for his mentorship, dedication to service, and principled approach to life and politics. Donations in his memory were requested to be made to the West Point Association of Graduates or by donating blood in honor of his lifelong support of the blood center.