Dianne Farrar Wright

Dianne Farrar Wright, 79, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2025, in Longview, Gregg County, Texas. She was born September 26, 1946, in Gilmer, Upshur County, Texas, the 7th child from the union of Thomas Garland Holder and Annie Laura Lang. Growing up, Dianne went to school in Union Grove. During her high school years she did very well academically – graduating salutatorian. In addition to academics, she was an active participant in the Union Grove Lions band, in the Future Farmers of America, and was both a cheerleader and majorette. After graduating from high school, Dianne worked for the Gladewater Mirror newspaper and a manufacturing company before attending Kilgore College's secretarial program. From there, she went to work for EF Hutton & Co. in 1967 as a cashier. With the help of her strong work ethic, bright mind, and personable nature, she quickly progressed through various administrative roles, including secretary manager and operations manager. What began as just a job turned into a promising career. In 1975, Dianne trained – through a correspondence course on her own at night; tested; and became registered as a stock broker with the New York Stock Exchange. She was one of the first women in the East Texas area to do so. By 1979-1980, Dianne became the first woman member of EF Hutton's prestigious Million Dollar Council, as well as being one of the few select members of Hutton's Blue Chip and Founders Clubs. Regarding the nature of her business, she said "the client has to come first…at least in my book." In a testament to that idea, many of her clients became lifelong friends. After more than 50 years working in the field, Dianne retired as Senior Vice President for Morgan Stanley's Longview branch in 2021. In the community, Dianne was involved in several civic and charitable entities and often served them in various roles and capacities. She was a longstanding member of the Zonta Club of Longview, and in 2002 received their Woman of Achievement award. Her banana split pies, baked for Zonta's annual Antique Show, remain the stuff of legend. Dianne was also a board member and past president of the Gregg County American Heart Association and a charter member of the Longview Commission for Women. Other memberships included the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Republican Women, Longview Beautification Association, The Greater Longview United Way Campaigns, Prelude – Longview Symphony Orchestra Guild, F.I.S.H. Emergency Help Service Group, and the East Texas Knife and Fork Club, to name a few. Dianne often acknowledged the support she had from others when she was building her business, and remarked, "Sometimes I feel I owe another generation." In her personal life, Dianne loved the beauty of nature, often camping at the lake during her years as a broker – even if she had a briefcase full of work in the car as well – and going for walks in the crisp fall air or amongst the Spring azalea and dogwood blooms. She loved to travel. Often it was on a day trip with friends to places like Marshall, Henderson, Jefferson, Tyler, or Nacogdoches. Sometimes it was across the ocean to Europe or Hawaii (perhaps her favorite place on Earth – where she was "surrounded by beauty"). She had a desire to see new things, and also to return to some exceptional places – all the while looking for the best gelato. And, she loved Christmas. The lights, songs, food, and fellowship of the season were truly special to Dianne. Her faith and desire to give back shone most brilliantly at this time of year, wanting to ensure those she encountered felt the spirit of Christmas. But, the idea of giving was important to Dianne year-round. Her devotion to charity included connections to Buckner International / Buckner Family Place - Longview, Highway 80 Rescue Mission, Heartisans Marketplace, Gregg County Historical Museum, Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity, Texans on Mission, Tunnel to Towers, Samaritan's Purse, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Dianne married Frank M. Wright III on Easter, April 16, 1995, at the First Presbyterian Church of Longview, and they established their home in Longview thereafter. They have been longtime members and supporters of the First Baptist Church of Longview. Dianne is survived by her husband, Frank, her son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Hilary, and her two grandsons, Luke and Owen. A small, private family burial service will take place at Rosewood Park in Longview, followed by a Celebration of Life in the First Baptist Church of Longview sanctuary on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 11:00am.