Garland Lemuel Wright Jr.

1936 - 2020

Garland Lemuel Wright, Jr.

May 23, 1936 - February 5, 2020

Garland Lemuel Wright, Jr., a son of the late Garland Lemuel Wright, Sr., and the late Theresa Lorraine Raborn Wright, made his final heavenly trip on February 5, 2020.

Born in Athens, GA, Garland made his way up to Buffalo, NY, where he planned to join the Air Force. After learning that his college board examination results did not arrive to the USAF officials in time, the disheartened young man had given up hopes of serving his country. However, once the results reached the USAF and were reviewed to show that he was in the top 10 in all New York State, Air Force Secretary James H. Douglas decided that Garland was "too good to be true" and made a special ruling in his case, as referenced in an article in the Courier Express Washington Bureau. Garland became a Cadet in the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, where he served from 1957-1959.

Garland attended the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1965 where he earned a B.S. in Engineering Science and Mechanics. He received further education attending Seattle University where he earned a B.S. in Psychology and then returned to the Georgia Institute of Technology to complete his Master's in Industrial and Systems Engineering and Psychology. While attending school, he represented the State of Washington in men's regional finals in Sabre fencing as well as participated in tennis, track and swimming.

Garland began a career as a Structural Test Engineer for Boeing Aircraft Company in Seattle, WA, where he was fortunate to be sent to many places all over the world. Upon leaving Boeing, he became the Superintendent of Building, Grounds and Maintenance for Bosch in Anderson, SC, where he was destined to meet the love of his life, the late Jewell V. Wright.

Garland and Jewell became each other's forever Valentine on February 14, 2000, and began an extraordinary life together traveling to some of the most interesting places in the world. His main goal was to keep his beautiful bride happy and she, in turn, brought out the adventurous side of Garland while visiting each location. These included whirlpool tours under Niagara Falls and helicopter rides to see views over the Grand Canyon. They enjoyed climbing on an old colorful school bus to tour the countryside of Venezuela and riding horses out west as well as a trip to Italy to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa and soaking up the beauty of the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Garland is survived by his daughters, Rhonda Griffin (Ronnie), and Tina Chapman, grandchildren, Miranda Kissiah (Bill), who was blessed to care for both Garland and Jewell until their last days, Chase Chapman (Amy), Emma Grace Chapman, Garrett Chapman, and Caitlin Webb (Brandon). He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Grace, two great granddaughters, Jasmine Holcombe and Stella Webb, and his forever faithful Maltese, Baby.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

The Standard Cremation & Funeral Center is serving the Wright family.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.standardfuneralcenter.com.

THE STANDARD CREMATION & FUNERAL CENTER