Wayne Errol Wright

Wayne was born December 27, 1944 to Walter C. Wright and Gertrue Allen Wright; and he was the eldest of his siblings – his brother Eric Allen Wright and sister Genelle Wright Gibson
He attended Valena C. Jones Elementary School and Rivers Frederick Jr. High School. He graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1962.
After completing High School, Wayne enlisted in the United States Air Force and served from 1963-1967. Upon his return from the military, Wayne worked for the Railroad while attending Southern University at New Orleans {SUNO). He graduated from SUNO earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.
Wayne married Winifred Dejoie, and fathered one son, Walter Frederick Wright – named for his fraternal and maternal grandparents. He was the proud grandfather of his namesake and beloved grandson, Wayne Michael Wright.
Wayne began his business career with a brief tenure as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for Ciba Geigy, before joining the staff at Lockheed Martin Defense and Aerospace where he became the Small and Minority Business Administrator. While at Lockheed Martin, Wayne was an active member of the Gulf South Minority Purchasing Council where he became President of the Council.
During this same period, Wayne focused his energies and worked untiringly with the SUNO Foundation advancing fundraising and Alumni support, as well as for the Friends of St. Augustine High School organization which he was a founding member and Treasurer.
Wayne was a member of the Staggs Club and The Townsmen Club Inc., of which his father was a founding member, and his son continues the family legacy as a 3rd generation member.
Upon retirement from Lockheed Martin, Wayne began working for the local office of Congressman Cedric Richmond. He supported this office in the capacity of Small and Minority Business Development Liaison. He remained in this position through 2020.
Wayne enjoyed traveling, live music, dining with friends, and family gatherings. Family and friends all knew Wayne as the witty storyteller who could appear very serious and have everyone falling over in laughter. Family, friends, and colleagues will miss him dearly. Wayne has been sorely missed from family gatherings over the past year due to his lengthy illness but will always be in our hearts.
Relatives and friends of the family, also priest and parishioners of St Leo/ St. Raymond Catholic Church are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Leo/ St. Raymond Catholic Church, 2916 Paris Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119 on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am until 10:00am. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by Duplain W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125. www.rhodesfuneral.com
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