Bob F. Wright

Renowned lawyer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and "Louisiana Legend" Bob Forrest Wright passed away peacefully on Sunday March 28, 2021 at the age of 89. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 43 years Gaynell LeCorgne Wright, son Dr. Forrest H. Wright, grandson Holt Wright, daughter Emily Ellen Wright, and sister Shirley Dalide. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dora Wray and Cyrus Wright, his brothers Marion Wright, Wendell Wright, Paul Wright, and Howard Wright, and sisters Faris Starkloff, Artemia Royor, Delores Harding, and Reba Acker. Bob was born in Monticello, Kentucky and grew up in Danville, Illinois where he developed a love for basketball. He was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana where he lettered in basketball, baseball, track, and football and was later inducted into the Centenary Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob continued his education at Tulane University Law School on a full academic scholarship. He was honored to be a member of Tulane Law Review, Moot Court Board, and Omicron Delta Kappa. Upon graduation from Tulane Law School, Bob was hired by James Domengeaux in Lafayette where he quickly advanced to become partner in the firm now known as Domengeaux, Wright, Roy, & Edwards. He specialized in admiralty and maritime law as well as personal injury litigation. He was a creative force ahead of his time, possessing a brilliant mind. Throughout his trailblazing career Bob tried many landmark cases. Bob was nationally recognized for his success in the courtroom and his relentless advocacy on behalf of his clients. He was admitted to practice in all Federal and State Courts in Louisiana, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Bob was inducted as a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and inducted into the Lafayette Bar Association Hall of Fame. Bob always sought to give back to his community and was generous with his time, serving in many capacities for the benefit of the legal community and the State of Louisiana. His numerous positions included Chairman of the Louisiana Judiciary Commission where he was honored with the Stalwart award, President of the Louisiana State Bar Association, President of Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, President of Lafayette Bar Association, President of The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Century Club, President of Board of Trustees of Louisiana Colleges and Universities and President of the Louisiana Racing Commission. Bob's numerous entrepreneurial endeavors included the reestablishment of the New Orleans Commodity Exchange, the restoration of the Maison St. Charles hotel and the surrounding area, the development of the Squirrel Run Golf Course in New Iberia, Louisiana, and the Louisiana IceGator Professional Hockey Team. Bob was generous, loyal, and kind. He recognized the importance of mentoring young attorneys and instilling a legacy of integrity and generosity in those that he mentored. Bob established the Bob F. Wright and Gay LeCorgne Wright Tulane University Law School Endowment Fund to continue this legacy. Bob was an influential leader in government and politics and the powerhouse behind several well-known campaigns. Yet, Bob was humble and modest – he never sought recognition for his accomplishments and contributed to many causes with anonymity. His most cherished time was spent globe-trotting with his beloved wife and spending time with family and friends at his home in Pass Christian. Bob was an avid reader, a proficient golfer, enjoyed history, preservation, travel, philanthropy, and horses. Bob loved parties and hosted many dinners for his buddies at his favorite New Orleans hangout and watering hole, 1179. A common refrain from his countless friends following his passing was that he was the most generous and considerate person that they had ever known. Louisiana has lost one of its brightest stars, but Bob's love and devotion to his wife, family, and friends is how he would want to be remembered and celebrated. Bob was an example to us all of how to live a successful and generous life. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will hold a private ceremony with a celebration of his life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to a charitable cause of your choice in Bob's honor.