Richard Lee

Wright

Richard Lee Wright, 76, formerly of Florence, SC, passed away peacefully at his home on May 8, 2023. Richard was born April 24, 1947, in Waycross, Georgia, to Walter Carol Wright Sr. and Effie Lee McDaniel Wright. He graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence, SC, in 1965, and The Citadel in Charleston, SC, in 1969.

Richard married his high school classmate, Alta Susan Davis, in August of 1969. They had two children, two grandchildren, and remained married until his passing. Richard was a public school teacher and coach for Florence School District One. He spent most of his career teaching physical education and serving as defensive coordinator for the South Florence Bruins football team. He was devoted to his students and players.

After retiring, Richard spent his time fishing, playing golf and traveling with his family. He also enjoyed regular trips to Santee with the "Lake Loons".

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Walter C. Wright Jr. and Michael Wright.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Richard is survived by a son, Richard Webb Wright; a daughter, Jaime Wright Carroll (Michael); and granddaughters, Eliza Davis Carroll and Josephine Bixby Carroll. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, BaPa, mentor, coach, and friend to many.

A memorial service for Richard will be held Sunday, May 28, at 3 p.m., in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel. A celebration of his life will immediately follow at the residence of his daughter.

J. Henry Stuhr Inc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by SCNow on May 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Wright

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.

10 Entries

Dennis Michael Smith

August 7, 2023

I only recently discovered Coach Wright´s passing on and give my condolences. He was a great coach and teacher who helped me transition to WFHS athletics in 1973 when we moved up from Summerville-not far from his Citadel alma mater. He was a tough but fair coach and also taught me biology. He always made a somewhat dry Biology course interested. One was never bored in one of Coach Wright´s classes and I remember them after over FIFTY years. When I graduated in 1974 I lost touch with him but did see him when I was a student at Francis Marion in Florence a few years later and he was in graduate school. Coach Wright will never be forgotten by me. Dennis Michael Smith, track and cross country 1973-1974, Class of `74.

Ryan Smith

June 21, 2023

Man... I sure am sad to hear this. I just found out earlier today. Coach Wright was my favorite Coach. He was tough... but he cared about his students and players. If he saw you being lazy or not giving it everything that you should... he would let you know, but just the same with when you were giving it everything you had... he would pull you off to the side and tell you. And trust me when compliments came from him they were earned. He is truly going to be missed. I remember him giving me a ride home after practice one day and a song by the Beatles came on. Yellow submarine. I´m not making this up we both sang that song together riding home. He was a good man... always had a witty come back when you tried to crack a joke on him.
I pray now he is with our Father God with a new body and a heart of flesh. Probably coaching some line backers up their for God´s football teams. :) all good memories about him. God Bless Coach Wright.

Bill Wildermuth

June 4, 2023

Susie and Family,

I was very sad to hear of Richard's recent passing. Lots of memories of him at The Citadel since we were both in the same company and both PE majors. By the way, I have informed other classmates from Bravo about Richard's death. Also, remember us going back and forth on weekends senior year to Florence/Pamplico area when before we were married and dating. Time has gone by too fast and unfortunately the last time we were together was about 30 years ago when our younger son was playing FB at Socastee vs. S.Florence. I remember meeting Jamie who was a cheerleader then.
Did not realize you had all from Florence and had hoped for us to all get together sometime when down visiting Wilberta's family in Pamplico. If I can ever help with anything, please feel free to reach out.
Warm regards,
Bill & Wilberta
Wildermuth

Tug Quarles

June 4, 2023

I had Coach Wright as my PE teacher my senior year at a South Florence in 1979. We were running the "shuttle run" as part our physical fitness exams. I was kind of quick but I dropped the ring we had to pick up at the turnaround during one of the passes. I stopped in disappointment for just a brief second and he yelled, "Pick it up!!!" and I took off like a scarred rabbit and finished. I still had a decent time. But he must have had a brief moment of pity on me and he let me run it again. I think he wanted to see how fast I could run it. He wasn´t a coddler. He was a man and he expected his young men to be men too. I had a great time in his class. We all did.

Tamara Rhodes

May 24, 2023

Susie, I am so sorry that your Richard has passed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you!

Grant Breazeale, M.D.

May 20, 2023

To Susie and family,

I am sorry to hear Coach Wright has passed. Please accept my sympathies. What a great coach and influence Coach Wright was to so many! I am thankful for his toughness on us as a team. We learned to look deep in ourselves to find strength when life is not easy. I can say his in influence helped me through tough times later in life. God Bless.

Will Bradley

May 20, 2023

As a former football player of coach "rocket" wright, I realize he had a demeanor only a mother could love. However, I realize now that his goal of making young men into something was not by coddling them but by challenging them. I am glad I knew him and thank him for playing a part in my successful life. Sympathy to the family for his passing and I pray God will bring comfort to them.

Vicki McKenzie

May 18, 2023

Susie, Jamie and Webb... I´m so sorry to hear of Richard´s passing. I know you will miss him . You are in my thoughts.. with prayers for you all .. Vicki McKenzie

Cecil Barnes

May 17, 2023

I have many fond memories of Richard. He and I were in the same Cub Scout troop which met at his house. In the ninth grade Richard, his brother Mike and I took dancing lessons together. He will be missed.

Rhonda Mills- Frierson

May 17, 2023

Susie and family, I am so sorry to read of your husband passing away. It is with deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to you and your family.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results