Walker Spotlight: JD Wright
JD Wright with Nat and Dan Walker, receiving his Years of Service Award
It’s hard to think of the Warrenton store without picturing JD Wright behind the counter. And that makes sense – he’s been Store Manager there longer than he can even remember (he thinks it’s been more than 30 years). This year we celebrated JD’s 56 years of service to Walker Auto & Truck. That’s a legacy of service that not many will ever match.
JD was born in Vaughan, North Carolina, a small town in Warren county. His house had no electricity or running water until 8th grade when his family moved to Henderson in 1958. He then graduated from high school in 1963, joining the Army as many in our greatest generation did.
After coming home from Germany he decided to get out and apply for a job at Standard Motor Parts at the time in Henderson. Two days after applying JD got the job and hasn’t left since.
After a few weeks John Bunch, owner of the auto parts store at the time, moved him to Warrenton. He’s been working for John or now the Walkers ever since.
““I just fell in love with it. My first job here was just doing whatever I was told and I guess it worked out.” ”
JD’s team in Warrenton has been with him for more than 20 years – the ultimate compliment to any manager. “We are a team, it’s just clicked with us,” explained JD.
JD goes home every day to eat lunch with his wife of more than 40 years, Karen Wright. They enjoy time on their camper, with their children and grandchildren, and when they get a chance, taking a cruise ship vacation. While JD has loved his job, he made sure to tell us, “my grandchildren are the love of my life.”
JD has the record for the longest service of anyone to Team Walker from both his time with John Bunch and then once the store became a Walker store, and he’s not done yet.
“It’s been good, life’s been good, business has been good and as long as the good lord allows me, I’m going to be working.”
We wouldn’t have it any other way. Congrats to JD and the entire Warrenton team on hitting such a major career milestone. Thanks for all the years of hard work and service. You’ve made that store a vital part of the Warrenton community!
