->BINGHAM -- Paul O. "Chuck" Wright II, 82, of Bingham Road, Bingham passed away Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, at the Togus Veterans Hospital after a long illness.Born in Lewiston on Dec. 26, 1926, he was a son of the late Paul O. and Bertha (Miller) Wright Sr. He graduated from Edward Little High School in the class of 1945 and served in the Army during World War II.He was married to the former Edith A. Robinson, who passed on Feb. 16, 2008.Paul worked many years as a salesman, jazz musician and blacksmith. He played with great local musicians and had a long tenure with the Heart & Soul band at Graziano's in Lisbon for more than 30 years.His passion was his love of jazz music and his many years of dedication and promoting jazz music in Maine. He also loved his horses and was involved in many local horse organizations. He received benefit and pleasure from the company of his many cats, dogs and horses over the years and filling the bird feeders in the backyard for his wife who enjoyed watching them.Paul will be remembered for his beautiful, velvety, sultry voice and music he performed with his bands, as well as with big bands and musicians. He also was a great mentor to many youths who had a passion for music and horses.He leaves behind his children and stepchildren, Jeffrey, of Alaska, Trudy, Louella, Judy, Teresa, Barry, Jeff and Sherry; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Pamela Corbett, of Florida, and brother Gary Wright and his wife, Sharron, of Winslow.He was predeceased by his good friend, Russell Robinson, also a World War II veteran.He was the patriarch of the Wright family and will be sadly missed by all who really loved and adored him and personally knew him. A special thank-you to all his doctors and medical staff who assisted him during his illness.Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at The Fortin Group in Auburn. A celebration of Paul's life will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the funeral home, followed by a graveside committal at Gracelawn Memorial Park.Donations may be made in Mr. Wright's memory to Double B Equine Rescue, 997 West Mills Road, Industry, ME 04938 in memory of Chuck Wright.You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Wright family by visiting their guest book at www.mem.com.A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St., Auburn, ME 04210; 783-8545. www.thefortin group.com. 7004926