Dr. William S. "Bill" Wright, 86, of Sun City, Ariz., passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011.

He was born Sept. 18, 1924, to Herman and Evelyn Wright in Crawfordsville, Ind.

Bill was always a fine athlete. As a youngster, he caddied and played golf. He later won the Indiana amateur tennis championship at the age of 16. He played varsity basketball through his high school years and earned basketball scholarships to both the University of Arizona and Wabash College.

Upon graduation from Wabash, Bill went to Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., where he became Dr. Wright. After winning the heart and hand of Mary Carolyn Ingersoll in 1948, Bill raised a family and opened optometry practices in both North Carolina and Missouri. Throughout his working years Bill enjoyed traveling and, especially playing golf. He retired in 1986 to Leisure World resort in Mesa, Ariz., to do more of both. He and Carolyn later moved to Sun City to be closer to family.

Bill is survived by his lovely wife of 63 years, three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Sunland Mortuary in Sun City is in charge of arrangements.

For online condolences, please visit www.sunlandmemorial.com.