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Travis Wright Obituary
Ocean City - Travis S. Wright, age 45, passed on Sunday August 18, 2019 at his home in West Ocean City. Born and raised in Arlington, VA, he was the son of Gary J. and Cheryl Smathers Wright of Arlington, VA. He is survived by his wife, Jody Kelly Wright, and sister, Carly Jill Wright of Alexandria, VA.
Travis was a graduate of the College of Charleston, SC, where he lived for eight years and developed his passion for culinary arts. He was the Executive Chef of the Shark on the Harbor, which he owned and operated with his wife, Jody for the past nineteen years. He was proudly voted Chef of the Year for the Restaurant Association of Maryland. His passion for the industry and for his team will forever be remembered throughout the community.
He was an avid Washington Sports fan, and followed the Nationals, Wizards, Redskins, and Capitals. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed traveling, riding bicycles, attending sporting events and seeing live music. He loved animals and especially enjoyed time with their dogs, Belle and Luna.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Wednesday, September 4th, at The Shark on the Harbor. 4pm. A donation in his memory may be made to: Jesse Klump Suicide Awareness and Prevention Program, 10737 Piney Island Dr. Bishopville, MD 21813, or the Worcester County Humane Society, P.O. Box 48, Berlin, MD 21811. Letters of condolence may be sent via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Travis Wright
Sponsored by Burbage Funeral Home - Berlin.
Jason Rewald
July 1, 2022
Jody and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Travis's passing. I met travis at least 23 years ago, as part of the OG kitchen crew opening up the restaurant. In fact, I was part of the crew when the two of you met. Still to this day - all these years later - I share tales and stories of Travis, what he stood for, how he treated people with such kindness, and how he provided - even back then - a hero to look up to.
He will continue to live on in memories and love.
RIP old friend.
John Vick
October 15, 2019
I had not interacted with Travis since attending middle school with him in the '80s, but I remember him well. I always thought highly of him, and am very saddened to hear of his passing. My best wishes to all of his loved ones.
Leslie Alves
September 18, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mike and Susan Reynolds
September 5, 2019
Jody We Are So Sorry For Your Loss. Travis Was such A Good Guy and A Kind spirit. One of Our Favorite Memories Of Travis and You Is when You guys Hosted My 40th Birthday Party At The Shark. He will Be sadly missed. Mike and I are Praying for you and Your Family at this difficult time.
mike and Susan Reynolds
September 5, 2019
We are so for your loss Jody for you and your family. Mike and I were so saddened to hear the news. One Our Fondest Memories of Travis and You Were When You and Him Hosted My 40th Birthday Party at the Shark . He was such A kind Spirit. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time!
Fran Schatz
September 4, 2019
I am just now reading about Travis. So very sad. We loved the Shark when we lived in Maryland and traveled to OC. We felt like Shark groupies back in the day. Attended several wine pairing dinners which were awesome. Also, spent 1 or 2 New Years Eves celebrating at your amazing restaurant. We would always tell friends that The Shark is one of our very favorite restaurants.
May Travis' memory be a blessing to all who knew him. Rest in Peace, dear Travis.
Carol and Rick Davis
September 4, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful son. We cherish memories of lovely dinners with you all in many days past, and celebrating with you at an early Shark opening!
Karen Tomasello
September 3, 2019
So sorry for your loss, Jody. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Liz Wright
September 3, 2019
JB and I are so sorry we won't be able to attend the service tomorrow. We will always remember Travis as he was as a boy, and our hearts go out to that boy's mom, dad and little sister.
Bruce Hartman
August 31, 2019
Dear Gary, Cheryl, & Jody, We are so sorry for your loss. What a great young man! We have fond memories of enjoying Travis's delicious creativity at The Shark. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paula D.
August 29, 2019
So very sorry to hear of Mr Wright's passing. The Shark and it's always delicious food is my very favorite restaurant in Ocean City. He will be greatly missed.
JoAnn Kurisky
August 27, 2019
Gary and Cheryl and family,
Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy at your loss.
JoAnn Kurisky and Karen Kurisky Hardebeck
Gary, Kate, Aimee, and Alex Smathers
August 26, 2019
Dear Cheryl, Gary, Carly, and Jody,
We are deeply saddened for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in family and friends and the many people who love and care about you.
Love , Gary, Kate, Aimee and Alex
Steve & Diane Katsanos
August 24, 2019
Our hearts are with you.
Hazel Haney
August 24, 2019
So sorry for the great loss to our community and especially to Traviss family Hazel
MaryAnn Pilot
August 24, 2019
Cheryl,
My heart is breaking for you. I will keep you, your family and the soul of Travis in my prayers. May you all find peace and solace as time passes and surround yourselves with all your wonderful memories of Travis.
MaryAnn Pilot
Michelle Webster
August 23, 2019
Thank you Travis for being a wonderful mentor in the culinary world to my son Alec Webster. He truly admired you for all you taught him.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Vic and Jill Scocco
August 23, 2019
Jody, our hearts were so saddened and shocked to hear the passing of Travis. The both of you were such a special part of the many nights we spent at the Shark for over eight years. Travis was the talent in in the kitchen with his creations we so loved and you were the warm smile we loved to see every time we came in. We had so many great conversations and laughs. We often still talk of the nights we so enjoyed...fond memories of a place that made you feel so special.
May the constant love of family and friends soften your sadness.
May the cherished love and memories bring you moments of comfort.
And may the everlasting Love of our Lord Jesus wrap you in his grace and bring you peace today and in the days to come.
Our sincerest sympathies,
Vic and Jill Scocco
Myrtle Beach, SC
Bill Chambers
August 23, 2019
An amazing young man. He and his team were the shining example of true entrepreneurship. My wife and I will miss Travis but his kindness will endure as his legacy.
Bill and Cindy Chambers
Carl Horn
August 22, 2019
Kelly, so sorry to hear about Travis. You and your family will be in my prayers. God Bless♥
Leslie Watson
August 22, 2019
Jody, may the warmth and comfort of lovely memories of Travis someday take the place of the sorrow you feel now. My deepest sympathies, Leslie Watson
Lynn and Rick Krall
August 22, 2019
Our hearts just sank when we learned of Travis death. We have been part of the Sharks extended family since its first opening in early 2000. Jody and Travis made everyone feel part of their family.
We can only hope to touch as many hearts as Travis did during the time God gave him. So much talent, so much to share......
Jody, we are sending you an Angel.
Travis, we will indeed miss you.
Elsebeth and Tommy Papageorge
August 21, 2019
Dear Cheryl, Gary, Carly, and Jody,
We are so sorry for your loss. We hope your hearts will be filled with warm and loving memories of Travis and that you will find comfort in his love for you as you mourn the loss of him. We send you our most heartfelt wishes and condolences. May he rest in peace
In sympathy,
Tommy and Elsebeth
Nancy Hickman
August 21, 2019
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My deepest sympathy to Jody. I am one of the legions who has enjoyed many many meals and wonderful times at The Shark, and at Culture. Travis and Jody created such welcoming and special places. It was so much more than just great food - it was the creativity, and especially the care, of this special man - it was evident in every dish. I am happy that I experienced what he made.
Jerry White
August 21, 2019
I worked at The Shark when it was in Ocean City and Travis gave me a chance and I learned a lot in my time spent there,so sorry to hear of his passing.
Carol and John Shottes
August 21, 2019
To Cheryl and Gary and the extended Wright family,
We are holding you all in our prayers at this difficult time. May the friends and loving communities you've created in Arlington and Ocean City support you now in honoring Travis and his amazing life.
Dan Gunter
August 21, 2019
Gary, Cheryl, and Jody we are devastated to hear about Travis. You are our family. We remember all the special and great times we had with you all especially Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. Our hearts are broken. We love you and keep you in our prayers. Bonnie and Dan Gunter
Megan Cooke
August 21, 2019
Jody...We will pray for strength and healing as you grieve. Please find comfort through the love of family and friends. We are always here to support you. Neighbors, Megan & Greg Cooke
Hugo & Caryl Cardenas
August 21, 2019
We were truly shocked and greatly saddened by the news of your loss Jodie. Travis was an important and well respected member of our Ocean City Hospitality community and also a friend and we mourn his passing. Caryl and I will always remember the original Shark Restaurant and how it became an oasis where we and our children could come and enjoy his great food and hospitality. We visited the Shark in all its incarnations and it's constant was always you and Travis; our community is diminished by his passing and our prayers and thoughts are with you and his family.
Jason Enfield
August 21, 2019
I met Travis in 1996 in Charleston, SC. We hit it off immediately. We went on to be great friends, co-workers, and roommates in the years that followed. We had a lot of good times together and this is a very sad day for me. To Gary, Cheryl, Carly, and Jody, I'm thinking of you as well.
Although we hadn't spoken in over a decade, I always considered him to be my friend, and I always will. Goodbye Travis
Walter & Doreen Brewer
August 21, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to you Jody and Traviss parents. May you all find comfort in each other and all those who love you.
Judy LoBianco
August 20, 2019
Alison and I send our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Carly and her family. You are in our thoughts in the days and weeks ahead.
Teresa Marconi
August 20, 2019
God Speed Travis, may the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand. My prayers to your family and friends.
Homer Smathers, Jr.
August 20, 2019
Dear sister Cheryl, brother-in-law Gary, "niece" Jody, and niece Carly:
Our absolute deepest sympathies to all of you. We will miss that talented and great young man (& nephew), Travis. Strength and love to each of you. Tip and Judy
H.T. Holmes
August 20, 2019
Travis,
I have fond memories of Wakefield with you. Whether it was Marching Band or just hanging out. Simple life and good times. You will be missed immensely.
Carol Sweeney
August 20, 2019
The loss of this gifted, hard working, young chef, that loved his restaurant, is a loss to all of us that love the Shark. Ocean City will never seem the same. Rest in Peace Travis.
Theresa Parr
August 20, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Just met Travis a few weeks ago. My grandsons Patrick and Parker work there. He made sure to introduce him self to us even sent dessert to our table. The boys always talked about him. Will be praying for your family
Stephanie Amsel
August 20, 2019
Travis was an insanely talented and such a special person.
Crissy Urick
August 20, 2019
May God & all his angels surround Travis with love & healing light. May angels protect & heal Jody, his family & staff. I only met Travis a few times through my nephew, Alec Webter or my sister Michelle & Steph Amsel. Travis was a huge mentor to Alec & we thank God for his time & care in sharing the passion with Alec. We thank God he shared his time with Alec. May The Shark carry on his wonderful memory. I love The Shark & May all of you find peace in carrying on his memory. WestOc Harbor will never forget Travis.
Lisa Church
August 20, 2019
Cheryl, Gary, Carly and Jody,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Travis had a way of making everyone feel like family. I hope that the fondness of his memories can help to give you strength in the time ahead. I love you.
Lisa
Mary Knight
August 20, 2019
It was with great sadness that we learned of Travis's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and we hope that in a small way they help through these trying times. We feel honored to have known him.
Mary and Frank Knight
Ronald Jones
August 20, 2019
Jody, Our prayers are with you and your families. Please let us know how we can help you.
Thelma Janes
August 20, 2019
Gary and cheryl we are so sorry for your loss.we did nt have the privilege of meeting Travis but we know he was a incredible man and son.remember the good times and he will always be in your hearts. Gertrude dunham,thelma and mary
Geoffrey & Michelle Robbins
August 20, 2019
Such sad news and such a loss for Jody, friends, family and the community. We send our thoughts and hope for healing and peace for his loved ones. Rest In Peace Travis.
Patty. Posidedons Pub
August 20, 2019
Jody, please know my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope you find comfort in your sweet memories together.
Merryl Burpoe
August 20, 2019
Cheryl, Gary and Carly, We are heartbroken for you. Thinking of you in this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies, Merryl and Gene
Mark Denhard
August 20, 2019
Sadness to the extreme,hearing this.....Travis was a good man,culinary icon in the Ocean City area for a few short decades..His smiling face will be missed...
Edie and Bill Pearcy
August 20, 2019
Travis, may you Rest in Peace. Thank you for all that you did for our family. Jody, may the heavy heart you now feel, in time, be lifted with the beautiful memories you have made together. We are all better for having known Travis Wright.
Richard & Mary Ellen Sanderson
August 20, 2019
Jody, what a heartbreaking time. We will miss him even more than his Famous Vudo Dish.
Hazel Haney
August 20, 2019
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jennifer Neptune
August 20, 2019
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Some friends and I made an annual girls trip pilgrimage to OC for a few years where Travis cooking demo was one of the most wonderful highlights. Sharing and inspirational in his cooking passion. His Shark on the Harbor creations brought us in every spring! He treated complete strangers with kindness and helpfulness. Im so terribly sorry for your loss.
Andie and Bunky Beard
August 20, 2019
Peace and love to you, Jody and family Travis was quiet but quick with a smile and so very much to be proud of. He was a rock star in the kitchen and will be so very missed.
Ginny and Greg McDonnell
August 20, 2019
Jody, and the family at the Shark: our deepest condolences go out to you. Please reach out if we can help you in any way. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kimy Littmy
August 20, 2019
Hugs and prayers sent ❤
Reese Cropper III
August 20, 2019
Jody my thoughts are all
about you. Sending you love and hugs
Bev & Stormy
August 20, 2019
Surrounding you with Love Jody, more than sad, there are no words.
Cindi and Dennis Krempel
August 20, 2019
Jody, I am so so very sorry for this profound loss in your life. Travis was a talented chef and nice man. He will be missed in our community. Let that same community help you navigate through this time. Try to find rest and comfort in your thoughts and memories. It's in the quiet mind that God speaks to your soul. Listen and let Him speak to you, let Him guide you through your grief and let Him gladly minister to you and ease your pain.
Don and Vanessa Robertson
August 20, 2019
Heart-breaking and extremely sad. He was a great chef, a good friend and a good neighbor. You will be terribly missed.
Brandi Mellinger
August 20, 2019
Jody, you have been in my thoughts since the moment I got word of Travis passing. My heart breaks for you, and if I could, Id squeeze every ounce of strength into a big ole hug! Sending you lots + lots of love, my friend, and so many positive vibes....
Christine Waggoner
August 20, 2019
There are simply no words to express how sorry we are to hear of Travis' passing. Jody, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you at this time. Our thoughts are with you.
Jay Whitmeyer
August 20, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Elizabeth Baseler
August 20, 2019
Jody, family, and friends. Sending our sincerest condolences to you during this difficult time. Beth and Mike Baseler, Ocean City, MD
steve and debbie martino
August 20, 2019
Jody so sorry to hear about Travis, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Steve Hannon
August 20, 2019
My Heart and prayers go out to this family especially Jodi. Travis always showed a great passion for his work. Ive never seen someone love his wife Jodi like he did.
Belinda White
August 20, 2019
Jody
I am deeply sorry to hear about Travis. Praying for peace and understanding for you. May Gid hold you tight at this time. ((,Hugs))
Belinda White
(Christian's mother)
Sharon and Harry Corwell
August 20, 2019
Jody and family,
May you find stength, peace and comfort from faith and memories in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jacqueline Windrow
August 20, 2019
Jody Im soooo broken-hearted for you
Diane & Tom Buettner
August 20, 2019
My heart aches for Gary and Sherry Wright. For Jody, our love and support go out to you and the staff at The Shark on the Harbor.
Travis was an awesome chef. The food he delivered to his patrons was outstanding. May he Rest In Peace, with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mary Martinez
August 20, 2019
Jody, No words can express our sympathy in this time of grief and our concern for you.
Please know we care, are near and ready to help in any way.
Sincerely your neighbors Dennis and Mary Martinez.
Helen McWilliams
August 20, 2019
Jody, may you find peace and strength with each passing day and find comfort in happy memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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