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Gary James Wright

1944 - 2023

Gary James Wright obituary, 1944-2023, Locust Grove, VA

BORN

1944

DIED

2023

FUNERAL HOME

Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory - Locust Grove

31440 Constitution Hwy

Locust Grove, Virginia

Gary Wright Obituary

Gary Wright, 79, of Locust Grove, passed away at his home on August 28, 2023. Gary grew up in upstate New York on Oneida Lake. He graduated from Oswego State University, where he obtained his degree in History & Education. Gary taught for one year in Geneva, N.Y. before being commissioned in the United States Marine Corps, where served for 21 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retirement, Gary worked at GEICO as a company trainer. In June of 1970, Gary married Barbara Hewitson, his high school sweetheart. Gary & Barb traveled the world through his service in the USMC.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother, Neal. Surviving family members include his beloved wife, Barbara; his five children, Eric (Heather), Andy (Andrea), Stephen, Sarah Sullivan (Brendan), and Scott (Brittany); his brother George; his 14 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Chancellor Baptist Church on Wednesday September 6, 2023, at 12:00 P.M. Burial will be at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Va., following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Gary's memory to Heartland Hospice, 493 Blackwell Rd, Suite 319, Warrenton, VA 20186, or Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 104 Lakeview Parkway, Locust Grove, VA 22508. These contributions would be greatly appreciated.

Online guestbook is available at johnsoncares.com.
Published by The Free Lance - Star from Aug. 31 to Sep. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wright

Sponsored by Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory - Locust Grove.

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Ken and Ruth Christian

September 5, 2023

One of our most cherished friends and brother in Christ. Ken and Ruth Christian

Heather Wright

September 5, 2023

I´ll be honest when I first met Gary he was quite intimidating. That Lieutenant Colonel presence was strong. But it didn´t take long to see a whole other side to Dad. The goofy with kids guy, beyond generous and willing to help anyone with anything guy. He welcomed me as a daughter right from the start. As soon as grandkids started arriving that Mr Tough guy morphed into Pops! He dropped everything to be at sporting events, plays, recitals....babysitting nights with him were exciting too, I´d come home to the toddlers playing with melting wax, tossing them way too high, going way too fast and up to other crazy mischevious things. You never wondered if Pops was in attendance at an event because you could hear that whistle. Thinking back over the past 28 years that I have known him a few key words come to mind: family, marines, fishing, football, golfing, cookies, risk taking. He had a full life with a wonderful wife, 5 kids, 14 grandkids, traveled the world and loved his hometown of Syracuse. We aren´t guaranteed to have our parents with us forever, we aren´t even guaranteed to be here tomorrow. Life is so precious. I am so thankful for the comfort of knowing that Pops is in heaven with Jesus. That Alzheimer´s for him is over now. One of the last things that Pops asked me to do (this was a few years ago when he still knew who we all were) he really wanted to gift his kids a picture of Jesus. There was a photo that hung on the wall of Jesus´ face, kind of a hidden picture. He had copies made and really wanted me to write the fruits of the spirit around the outside of the picture. He framed them all and was so excited to give them. Now I know it may not have been the most exciting gift to get....But his prayer was that all those he loved so dearly would come to have a relationship with Jesus. Pops wasn´t perfect, but he loved His Savior who is perfect.

Heather Wright
Daughter-in-law

David Wright

September 4, 2023

Aunt Barb-
I am devastated to hear about the passing of Uncle Gary. As one of my favorite uncles growing up, he held a very special place in my heart throughout my childhood. Uncle Gary was a pillar of support and encouragement in my life, and the memories we created together will forever be cherished.
One vivid memory that I'll always treasure is when Uncle Gary helped me with my fastball at our home in Central Square, New York. I was just an 8-year-old Little League pitcher, and I'll never forget the amazement I felt as he caught my fastball with his bare hands, all because we didn't have an extra baseball glove at the time.
Uncle Gary not only nurtured my passion for sports but also bought me my first 50-pound barbell set, teaching me the correct way to lift and build strength. His guidance on strength and conditioning played a huge role in my dream of playing football at a young age.
One of my most profound memories of Uncle Gary was the day he dropped me off at the bus depot as I embarked on my journey to Quantico, Virginia, for Marine Corps boot camp. I was a scared 19-year-old, but I´ll never forget his words: "You're going to be okay, son. You're going to be a Marine." I made it through, thanks to his belief in me.
During the following year at TBS, both you and Uncle Gary allowed me to stay at your house during the weekends. I will always remember the moment when Uncle Gary said to me, "Marine, stop wearing that God-awful cologne. You're overwhelming Aunt Barb!"
Uncle Gary was an incredible source of strength and inspiration in my life, leaving an ingrained mark on me from a very young age. His loss will be deeply felt, and we will all miss him dearly.

Dave Wright
Nephew

Emily Loomis

September 2, 2023

Every memory I have of you always involves smiles and laughter. As focused, intelligent, and dedicated as you always were, you were also modest, loving and approachable.

You never met a stranger. Your patience and encouragement was inspiring. Your genuine love for family was something to admire. Your laughter was infectious. And who can forget the dad jokes?

The world has lost a great one. Heaven has gained an angel. Your love and strength lives within our hearts forever. We will always love you, Uncle Gary.

The Loomis clan (Matt, Emily, and Meghan)

[email protected]

August 31, 2023

May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. Sending prayers for Barbara and the family.
Danny and Amanda Henderson

Rob Thamvanthongkham

August 31, 2023

I am sorry to hear of this. My sincere condolences and prayers to your family. He was a great man! We met through church and worked together at Geico through numerous supervisory courses. Always remembered him calling me out in class to take a brief class break when Rob T´s head was bobbing back and forth.

Nancy Jones

August 31, 2023

We are so sorry Barbara and all of his children. Gary was such a nice man and loved being neighbors and then attending Chancellor together. All of you are in our prayers as you go through the next days without him. Hugs to all of you! Steve & Nancy Jones

Noelle Harmon

August 30, 2023

My husband Jeff and I were blessed to work with Gary at GEICO for many years. He was a joy to work with and a hard worker. Sending love and prayers to the family for healing. With God all things are possible. It is also my pleasure to now work with his son Dr. Eric Wright at Freedom Middle School. God bless you all.

Garden To Go Basket

Jeff and Noelle Harmon

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Memorial Events
for Gary Wright

Sep

6

Service

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Chancellor Baptist Church

Spotsylvania, VA

Sep

6

Burial

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Quantico National Cemetery

18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22712

Funeral services provided by:

Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory - Locust Grove

31440 Constitution Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508

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