Bill Wright -For the Love of the Depot- A Tribute to Santa.

Published:  12-06-2006

Where has Christmas gone???

In 1997, at a Friends of the Depot meeting, member Bill Wright presented the idea of Santa at the Depot and volunteered his help as Santa. The event was first held in the old depot in its original location just 50 feet from where it stands now. This yearly event that Bill Wright invisioned, continued for 7 years. Commemorative Ornaments were designed and sold at the event, and the 2003 ornament was dedicated to him.

In addition to Santa at the Depot, Bill Wright volunteered, always alongside Mary, his wife, for any and all other events, programs and projects that Friends of the Depot and the Better Hometown Program presented.

He shined up railroad spikes and mounted them on wood for paper weights. He also made beautiful writing pens and carved wooden flowers. He then donated these items to Friends of the Depot, to be sold at the depot, for its benefit and preservation.

He was known as a super fun guy and always cheerful. All will remember Bill Wright. The Community, the Volunteers at the depot, and mostly, the Children who saw him during the year with his beautiful white beard and red suspenders, will always remember him as Santa Claus. It was a most special time when a child would watch him from afar, wondering if he could really be Santa. Was he down for a visit, checking on who’s naughty or nice? They would always find their way over to his side and talk to him. He was soft spoken, never scary, and they would walk away with big eyed grins, feeling very special “ and “ thinking that December 25th wasn’t far away at all.

Where has Christmas gone? Bill Wright passed away in February, 2006, and is now with - that reason for the season. Yes, Christmas will still come and go, and Bill Wright will be remembered, not only at Christmas though, but all through the year when we see a white beard, or red suspenders, or walk into the Flowery Branch Depot. He was OUR Santa, and he will always be remembered with a smile.

Dinah Wayne