Louis Wright Sr.

On February 7, 2026, our beloved father, Louis Wright Sr., transitioned peacefully at the age of 98, just three days after celebrating his 98th birthday.

Born on February 4, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Louis moved to Lakewood, New Jersey, at six months of age, where he would spend the rest of his remarkable life becoming a beloved fixture in his community. He lived a life marked by faith, strength, resilience, generosity, and service. To know him was to know steady wisdom, quiet strength, unwavering love, and a warm sense of humor that brought comfort to those around him.

A Believer in Christ, Louis's faith was the foundation of his life and guided him through his many years of service to others.

Louis attended Lakewood public school, graduating from high school in 1946. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict Era. He was drafted into the Army in the early 1950s and served with distinction during the Korean War, earning the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. His military service included October 25, 1950, to November 12, 1952, and December 24, 1953, to November 16, 1954. He carried the honor of his service with dignity throughout his life. Decades later, his belated Purple Heart ceremony garnered recognition in local newspapers, highlighting both his sacrifice and his advocacy for fellow veterans.

After his military service, Louis married the love of his life, Roxie Ann McKie, in 1955. Together they built a beautiful family and shared over 60 years of marriage until Roxie's passing in 2018. Their union was blessed with eight children, and their legacy continues through generations.

Louis dedicated 33 years of service to the Lakewood Housing Authority, demonstrating the same commitment to his community that defined his entire life. He served on the Board of Directors for Greenwood Cemetery for many years and was an active member of the Lakewood Elks, where he served as both bookkeeper and bartender, roles that reflected his trustworthiness and his gift for bringing people together.

A man of many talents, Louis was legendary in his family and community for his culinary skills, particularly his BBQ ribs and homemade sauce-a treasured recipe he kept close to his heart and took with him. His cooking brought joy to countless family gatherings and became a cherished tradition that will live on.

An avid sports lover, Louis was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. He enjoyed starting his mornings with his coffee and his newspapers-The New York Post and The Daily News-keeping up with the latest news and sports. He could often be found cruising the aisles of ShopRite and Walmart on his scooter for hours, enjoying the simple pleasure of shopping at his own pace.

In the later part of his life, Louis lived for Thursdays and his weekly fried chicken at the Modern Maturity Community Center for seniors in Delaware-a highlight of his week that brought him great joy. He loved to travel on bus trips, particularly to the casinos in Atlantic City, where he enjoyed gaming and taking in shows.

He taught us the value of hard work, integrity, faith in God, forgiveness, and perseverance. He showed his love through honorable provision, faithful presence, wise advice, unforgettable BBQs, and a humor that could light up any room.

Louis was most proud of being a father to Jacqueline Karen Wright; Louis Wright Jr. (Linda); Mary Alma Wright-Dickens (Edward); Nishia Suevetta Wright; Ronald Timothy Wright Sr.; Morgarena Cheryl Crittenden (Ezra); Charmaine Bernadette Wright; and John Purnell Wright Sr. (Alicia).

He was also a cherished grandfather to 27 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and a beloved uncle and friend to a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Louis was predeceased by his beloved wife, Roxie Ann Wright, and seven of his siblings. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving brother, Morgan "Buster" Wright.

Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will continue through all who were blessed to know and love him.

A funeral service for Louis will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:00am at Pippin Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior. A graveside for Louis will follow the funeral service at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, Delaware.