Rev. Dr. Elmer L. Wright II earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, and later received a Master's Degree from Prairie View A&M University. He continued his postgraduate work at Texas Southern University and was later awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Paul Quinn College. Rev. Dr. Wright dedicated nearly 30 years to public education, starting as a teacher/coach in the McGregor School District, then moving to the Abilene Independent School District where he served in various roles including teacher, coach, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. After retiring, he was elected to the Abilene ISD School Board, serving for four years. He also served as a trustee of the board of Paul Quinn College from 1993-2010.
Rev. Dr. Wright was ordained an Itinerant Deacon and Elder by Bishop Murph after being admitted to the Northwest Texas Conference in Amarillo, Texas. He pastored his first church in Snyder, Texas and then served as Pastor in Brownwood, San Angelo, and Dallas, before becoming Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E Church in Dallas. Rev. Dr. Wright pastored at St. Paul A.M.E. for seven years before being named Presiding Elder of the Greater Dallas District overseeing 25 churches until his retirement. He also served as Treasurer of the 10th Episcopal District for almost two decades.
Rev. Dr. Wright transitioned on August 30, 2025. His wife of 63 years, Mrs. Billye Joyce McGregor Wright, preceded him in death in 2019. He is survived by his children, Dr. Nannette Wright Glenn, Lynda Wright Mason, and Elmer L. (Trey) Wright, III.