Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Dickey Wright graduated from W.A. Berry High School in Birmingham, Alabama, where he lettered in football and track.

Dickey received his bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Alabama Birmingham.

He served as a student coach under the late Bob Finley at W.A. Berry High School, coaching both football and basketball.

Dickey began his coaching career at Homewood Middle School in 1981. He served as the athletic director and also coached football and middle school and high school wrestling.

Mr. Wright accepted a multi-faceted position at Homewood High School in 1993 as defensive coordinator, varsity wrestling coach, and varsity golf coach. He continued in this capacity until 2006 when he was promoted to head football coach. Dickey served in this role until 2010 and then transitioned to the Homewood Board of Education in charge of residency for the school system.

He retired from education in 2013. After retiring he coached football at Shades Mountain Christian School for two years.

Throughout his career as varsity wrestling coach, Homewood won state championships in 1995, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004. The team was runner-up in 1996 and 1997.

Dickey was proud to coach three Alabama winners of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Dave Schultz Award: Bert Newton, Seth Garvin, and Forrest Millsap. He also coached six High School All-Americans and three High School Academic All-Americans. Other honors earned by his wrestlers included eight collegiate wrestlers, 37 individual state champions, 74 sectional champions, and 106 state place-winners.

Wright was a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Wrestling Rules Committee for six years. His honors include 2001 NFCA Coach of the Year South Section, 2002 Wrestling USA State Man of the Year, and 2005 NFHS Coaches Association Coach of the Year for Alabama.

Dickey and his late wife, Sally, were married for 30 years. He has two stepsons, Charles and Bill Relfe, and four granddaughters.