Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
THOMAS WRIGHT Obituary
WRIGHT, THOMAS A., REV.
Reverend Thomas A. Wright, activist, former President of the NAACP, and a leader in his community and in the pulpit, transitioned from this life to the next on December 9th, 2014 at the Veterans Hospital. He moved to Gainesville in 1962 from St. Augustine, FL, and was a member and leader of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, NAACP, and Eastside Student Assistant Association. Reverend Wright was preceded in death by his wife, Affie Wright, and son; Thomas A. Wright, Jr.
Reverend Wright is survived by his children; Philoron A. Wright (Cottie), Gainesville, FL, Patricia A. Murray (Reginald), West Palm Beach, FL, Lavon Wright Bracy (Randolph), Orlando, FL, sixteen grandchildren, forty-one great grandchildren, and nine great, great grandchildren.
Funeral Services for Reverend Wright will be held 11:00am, Saturday, December 13th, 2014 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Rev. Destin Williams, Pastor, Rev. Randolph Bracy, Jr., Officiating; entombment will occur Monday, 11:00am, December 15th, 2014 in Boynton Beach Cemetery, 161 Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL. Arrangements entrusted to Chestnut Funeral Home, Inc., 18 N.W. 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32601.
Reverend Wright will repose in the Chestnut Memorial Chapel on Friday, December 12th, 2014 from 2:00 until 4:00pm, the Family will receive friends at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Family and friends are asked to meet on Saturday, at the home of his son, Mr. Philoron Wright, 9606 N.W. 62nd Lane, Gainesville, at 10:00am to form the cortege. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ESSA, Inc., P.O. Box 141072, Gainesville, FL, 32641.
'A CHESTNUT SERVICE'
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS WRIGHT
Brenda Miller
January 8, 2020
My condolences to the the Wright Family
Even with the time that has passed, we still hold dear our cherished memories of Rev. Thomas Wright, Sr.
It is my prayer that God will continue to carry you to brighter and joyous days ahead. When I look at the date of Rev. Wright's birth and his transition, I paused to think of how he lived his life on earth. Being the obedient servant of God, he truly made a difference in the lives of so many, not only his family, and congregation, but those in and out of his community. When he visited his mother and siblings in Boynton, I was blessed to sit and hear a Word from God, which encouraged me to help others.
May his legacy live on in the lives of his family, as they carry the Word of God to a dying world.
Remember, Life's darkest trials cannot dim the light of God's love. May you find comfort as you trust in God's faithfulness. God does all things well.
In Him with Love,
Min. Brenda Jones Miller
Boynton Beach, FL. 33435
Mr. Arnett and Dr. Rosalind and Sons Hall
December 17, 2014
Dear Philoron, Cottie and Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Rev. Wright was our former pastor who we respected and admired dearly. He was a pastor who lead by example and was an extraordinary humanitarian. Rev. Wright lived a remarkable life and will be deeply missed. May God's love and peace comfort you during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jeanette Eubanks Kelly
December 15, 2014
Reverend Thomas Wright was a Minister that was stalwart, courageous, and robust. He not only heeded the calling of the Master to preach his word and save souls, but he went further into the vineyard to help his fellow man.
He entrenched himself in the Civil Rights Movement becoming a voice in the pulpit, and a worker in the community. He, like so many leaders in our town, toke that Bold stance in fighting for Justice and Equality for all of its people.
To The Family,
May the God of all comfort sustain each of you during this difficult time.
May you relish in the memories of the wonderful, productive life that he lived, and the Legacy to you and the world.
Jeanette Kelly
December 14, 2014
Reverend Thomas Wright was a Minister that was not only stalwart, and courageous, but he heeded the calling of the Master to preach his word and save souls.
That was not enough. He entrenched himself with the Civil Rights Movement becoming a Voice in the pulpit, and an Icon in the communities in which he lived to eradicate the injustice, and seek equality for all its people.
To the family,
May the God of all comfort sustain each of you during this difficult time. May you relish in the memories of the wonderful and productive life that he lived, and the Legacy he left to the world.
My condolences to you !!!
Jeanette Eubanks Kelly Pal., FL
Thomas' classmate of 1962
RJMH Saint Augustine, FL
Brenda Miller
December 14, 2014
Extending my Condolences to Patricia & Reginald; Philoron & Cottie; LaVon & Randolph and the entire Wright Family. Indeed, I was sadden to hear of Rev. Thomas A. Wright,Sr. passing. May God in His Infinite Love comfort your hearts during this difficult time. Rev. Wright was a very precious gift to the Body of Christ, one who demonstrated the character of God. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to stay at his home in Gainesville and attend the Sunday Worship Service, the theme of his message was faith and love, I was in awe of the powerful anointing that God had on his life.
A faithful and dedicated servant of God has gone home to his reward, it is my prayer that the younger generation carries on his legacy. As you reflect on those precious memories, may they bring a smile to your face and warmth to your hearts. I was truly blessed to have known Rev. Thomas A. Wright, Sr.
Keep the faith and know that God truly loves you and will bring you to a brighter day. Love to all.
Min. Brenda Jones Miller
Boynton Beach, FL. 33435
Evangelist Sabrina Vinson
December 14, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the Wright family. May God keep you and encourage you through this difficult time.
Philoretta Gilliam
December 13, 2014
Sorry to hear about my god daddy passing keeping the family in pray i was name after you god daddy and godmom gave me the name Philoretta Gilliam from st Augustine I don't no if they told and your sister about me may god bless and keep the FAM Left up
James & Katrina Norman & Family
December 13, 2014
Drs. Bracy & Family, you have my deepest condolences on the loss of your Father & Patriarch. May God continue to bless you & your family in this your hour of need.
Branden hunt
December 13, 2014
Sadly we have received word of
Dr. Thomas A. Wright passing. He was an incredible man who was a true pioneer to the black community and our family. He was a true man of God even in his final hours. Our prayers go out to his family during this most difficult time. We have lost a role model.
Mother Shahid & Seabrooks Family
December 13, 2014
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.
Joyce Kendrick
December 13, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss, The Reverend Thomas Wright was a Inspiration to this community and He gave back In an unselfish way continually. I will be praying for your family.
john booth
December 12, 2014
may god bless all of you we loss a
great man he will be missed by all
and may god always bless you and your faimly.from john booth and
faimly.
Rev. Newton & Barbara Williamson
December 12, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in your time of grief.
Brenda Satterfield
December 12, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Rev. Wright was an awesome person and genuinely kind.
TED NICHOLS, Esq.
December 11, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the family. We will keep his spirit in our hearts always. The calm statuesque Rev. Wright greeted me warmly when I knocked at the door of his home sometime following his "retirement". His humble, generous and caring spirit punctuated every moment of that visit, characteristic of my earlier visits with him in his office and at his home. He recalled his first trip to this neighborhood where he bought the house his wife "picked out". His great love and insight were boundless and reached out to the world through his deeds, his books, and his life encouraging each of us with his tireless examples, including his recent book "Some Greats as Presidents". We thank God for releasing your spirit in our lives.
Gwen Plummer Sermon
December 11, 2014
I was always inspired by Rev. Wright as I grew up in St. Augustine. He was a leader, icon, and stood up for what he believed in. He made things happen and you had to stop and take notice. He left a legacy for all of us. My sincere condolences to the Wright family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and Prayers, Gwen
Charnea' Polite
December 11, 2014
To The Family of Rev. Thomas A. Wright,
My Sincerest and Heartfelt Condolences to you all at this most difficult time. Growing up in Mt. Carmel, Rev. Wright was one of the most insightful individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing in my lifetime. We sometimes forgot that we were in the Presence of a True Civil Rights Icon, A Trailblazer and Truly a Man of God.
I'm Happy to be able to say that I knew Rev. Wright my entire life and he TRULY left me with many memories and a better understanding of the word of Christ.
Rev. Wright, Take Your Rest Now...You Are In The Arms Of The Lord.
Phyllis Mitchell
December 11, 2014
My condolences to the family,he will truly be missed. Rip Dr Wright
December 11, 2014
With sincere sympathy to the family of Reverand Wright. Our prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.
Kind Regards,
Your friends from Francesca's
Shirley Vinson-Johnson
December 11, 2014
Sincere Condolences to the family. Rev. Wright was a great servant of our Lord and a great teacher of God's word.
Ruby Michael and Family
December 11, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Janet Hayes
December 11, 2014
My deepest condolences to the entire Wright family. Having grown up at Mt. Carmel, I had the lifelong blessing of Rev. Wright's ministry. I am grateful for that. May you know the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus during this difficult time.
Lynn LaBauve
December 11, 2014
I met Reverend Wright through the Coordinated Council of Concern at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church when I was a college student (I am now retired). This group was an attempt to work together solving local problems in the hope that Gainesville could avoid the racial violence and riots that some of the country was experiencing. Reverend Wright was a man who had the courage to work peacefully for justice for all people. May he rest in peace; my deepest sympathy to his family. He will not be forgotten.
Evangelist Yvonne Cox
December 11, 2014
My heart goes out to the family of the late Reverend, Thomas A. Wright. He will always remain in our memories as a pillar of the community, peace maker, workmen of God in every way, bringing the people together, training other leaders to take on the men-tale and run the race of salvation with integrity and dignity. I had the opportunity of visiting Rev. Wright on 8th street, he trained my cousin Thomas Fields as a minister of the gospel.
Jackie Williams
December 11, 2014
With deepest sympathies to the Family of Rev. Wright. May God Bless The Family during your time of great loss.
Gerald Eubanks
December 11, 2014
THE REV. THOMAS A. WRIGHT is considered the leader/FATHER of the local/St. Augustine civil rights movement, and will be eternally revered for his efforts.
Carol Marden
December 11, 2014
When I was a young nurse Rev. Thomas would come visit every Sunday. He was a blessing to all he met. So sorry for the loss of this great, kind man.
Mark and Pat Marovich
December 11, 2014
Phil and family, May God provide comfort during this time of great sorrow. May you find peace in the fact that your Dad is with Jesus. I am thankful to have known such a great person as your Dad. We love you and we are so sorry. Mark and Pat
Jerome & Maryann Jones (Lawson)
December 11, 2014
Our sympathy and prayers to the Wright Family! My former pastor, family friend and hero! I loved and respected him highly! He was there for my family over the years up until doing my mom's eulogy in 2010. We visited him two weeks ago and at his residence before the VA. Such a pleasure and honor to be in his presence, one more time. His job maybe finished on this earth, but he will live in our hearts forever. He cannot be replaced. Such good memories over the years! Words cannot express what I feel, but I loved him as a father and I love each of you! I am here if you ever need me. God knows best! Be encouraged in the Lord!
David Nolan
December 11, 2014
Rev. Wright played an immortal role in St. Augustine history, and will always be remembered. His book "Courage in Persona" is the most important autobiography dealing with the Ancient City in the twentieth century. Rest in Peace, old friend, and thank you for all you did.
Your cousin Sharon
Sharon Frieson-Jackson
December 11, 2014
Lavone and Bracy I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May Gods love for you, peace and the strength abide with you and your family now and forever
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in THOMAS WRIGHT's name
Memorial Events
for THOMAS WRIGHT
Dec
12
Reposing
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Chestnut Funeral Home - Gainesville18 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
Dec
13
Funeral services provided by:
Chestnut Funeral Home - Gainesville18 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
How to support THOMAS's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor THOMAS WRIGHT's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
