Lawrence “Larry” Francis Wright

Lawrence Francis Wright, 76, of Leland, NC, went home with the Lord Jesus Christ on April 21, 2023. He was born in Ilion, New York on March 2, 1947 to Kathryn and Lynn Wright. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Merry Ann Thompson Wright.

Larry grew up in Mohawk, NY. He graduated from Mohawk High School in 1965, where he was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating, Larry earned his Bachelor’s degree in business from Utica College, and then enlisted in the United States Army, where he served his country bravely in the Vietnam War, earning the distinction of Sergeant. Upon returning, he joined the family business, Wright’s Furniture; after his mother’s retirement, Larry took over the business until it was sold in 2003. He was a dedicated member of Christ Episcopal Church in Herkimer, NY, where he was an active member, serving as a Warden, on the Vestry, and as a lay reader. Larry also enjoyed spending time at the Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

After briefly living in Washington, D.C. while his wife finished her tenure working with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Larry and Merry Ann retired to Leland, where they spent the rest of their years. Larry found a spiritual home at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Wilmington, where he served on the Vestry, as a lay reader, a leader of morning prayer and a member of St. Paul’s Leland Book Club. Much of his time was spent volunteering with Meals on Wheels and Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, in addition to taking communion to those unable to attend weekly services. Larry was a lifelong New York Mets, New York Giants, and New York Knicks fan. He remained physically active throughout his life, enjoying running and walking, in addition to countless rounds of golf.

Larry is survived by his sons, David Wright of Ilion, NY, and Daniel Wright and wife, Erin, of Webster, NY; his granddaughters, Lynn, Anika, Emily, and Grace; sister-in-law Meg Smith and husband, Don, of Wilmington, NC; brother-in-law Ned Thompson and wife, Kristine, of Galesburg, MI; step-son Meade Parks and special friend Linda Ensinger, of Plainwell, MI, and brothers Bob Wright and wife, Sandra, of Syracuse, NY, and Jim Wright, of Kingsland, GA, in addition to many dear friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s honor may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 16 N. 16th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Please share memories and condolences with Larry’s family by signing the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099