Alfred Dearwood (also spelled Deerewood) Wright was born to George W. Wright (1896 - 1976) and Grace F. Burkes (born 1901). Both of his parents were born in Alabama. He had siblings J.B., Eli, Juanita, Gladys, and Jan.
Alfred D. Wright married Otera Logan (1929 - 1994). They had children Michael, Alfred Jr., Richard, Charlene, and Betsy.
According to a 1992 newspaper article, Alfred was originally thought to have died of a heart attack, but when his body was later exhumed, evidence of poison was found. See Poison found in exhumed body.