L.E. Wright

L.E. Wright departed this life on February 18, 2025. He was 89 years old. He joins in heaven his beloved wife of 65 years, Judy, and eldest daughter, Elise.
He was born in the small community of Verona in Marshall County, TN, on September 27, 1935. He was named after his father but maintained that L. E. was not an abbreviation of a longer name. "Initials only," he always said. He attended a one-room school in Verona through 8th grade and then graduated from Marshall County High School where he met his future wife. As an only child growing up on a farm, he learned the value of hard work, which was in evidence throughout his life. His commitment to education led him to pursue a career in engineering, and he earned a BS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1959. He later earned MS and PhD degrees from the University of Tennessee Space Institute while working full-time.
He began work in 1959 as a mechanical engineer at the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) near Tullahoma, TN, where he developed expertise in test facilities operation and maintenance and held positions of increasing responsibility. In 1986, he was promoted to Vice President and General Manager of the Kings Bay Division of Sverdrup Technology, Inc. On completion of the Kings Bay project, he returned to AEDC to serve as Director of facilities design and maintenance. He retired from AEDC in 1994. He then served as President of two small businesses: an engineering design and consulting company and a family real estate enterprise.
In his leisure time, he was an accomplished woodworker and outdoorsman. But his greatest joy was time with family, and he cherished his grandchildren. They called him "E-E," and he always had a sweet treat to share with them. He was a member of the Rotary Club and a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Tullahoma.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Brisby Wright; his daughter, Elise Wright Walker; and his parents, L. E. (Elmer), Sr., and Lois Wright. He is survived by son John (Lisa) Wright of Tullahoma; daughter Emily (Kyle) Clemmer of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren Justin (Taryn) Walker, Lindsey (Abner) Herndon, Samuel (Samantha) Wright, Morgan Clemmer, Benjamin Clemmer, and Patrick Clemmer; and great-grandchildren Jennings Walker, Evie Walker, Brisby Herndon, Hazel Herndon, Peter Wright, and Lucas Wright.
The family thanks the staff of Morning Pointe and Gentiva Hospice for the care and compassion they provided.
Burial was at Bryant Cemetery in Mooresville, TN. Tullahoma Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Tullahoma First Methodist Church's Henry Center.