Glenn M. Wright

On October 2, 2025 heaven gained a humble servant, patriot, and true Christian. Glenn Wright, retired U.S. Navy ATCS (Aviation electronics senior chief) and past state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), lost his valiant battle with cancer. Glenn was born on August 12, 1962 at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia to Charles and Ruth Wright. His father was a Navy Seabee, and he set the tradition of Naval service for his sons. Glenn served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. Of those years he was most proud of his time on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt, “The Big Stick.” It deployed after the 9/11 attack on our country. The World Trade Center flag that was raised by three firefighters over the rubble was loaned to the carrier for its deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Roosevelt set many records, one of which was 159 consecutive days at sea without a port call. Glenn felt privileged to hold that flag.

After retirement in Norfolk, VA he and his wife Kathy relocated to Jacksonville, FL, where they jointly found a new cause. His father, his hero, had signed him up for life membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7909 and eventually became a Gold Legacy Life Member. There he worked tirelessly for veterans, their families, and the community. He held a plethora of positions at the post, District 6, state, and national level. He was elected VFW State Commander in June, 2024. He led the state to 103% in membership and increased program reporting by 300%. He did this with encouragement and a resolve that the VFW could do more.

The list of volunteer activities was long as his membership in philanthropic organizations. He was part of the kitchen crew at a weekly nondenominational breakfast Bible study, booster of the Lakeshore Women’s Club, Military Order of the Cootie Catfish 23, Past Commanders Club, American Legion Post 137, and 4th degree Knight of Columbus, and parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Most of all he treasured the roles of son, brother, uncle, father, and husband. Family was everything to him. Lovingly known as Pop Pop to the grands he was an easy mark for whatever they wanted. His legacy of infectious positivity and unselfish devotion will be the standard for those he left behind. He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 28 years, Kathy, of Jacksonville, daughter Leslie Bell (Jared), and daughter Patricia Bell and grandchildren Briana, Shianne, and Jackson all of Norfolk, VA. He is mourned by sister Jackie Host (Frank) of Keystone Heights, sister Emma LaFrance (Gary) of Jacksonville, brother Albert (Janice) of Jacksonville, and brother James (Sally) of Lake Elsinore, CA. Nieces and nephews include Angela Adams of Glen Burnie, MD, Denise LaFrance of Jacksonville, Pamela Marin of Jacksonville, Ben LaFrance of Harlem, GA, Albert J. Wright Jr. (AJ) of Orange Park, Jessica LaSota of Jacksonville, James Wright II(Jay) of Jacksonville, Ginger Perez of Jacksonville, and Mark Wright (Lake Elsinore, CA).

In lieu of flowers donations in honor of Glenn may be made to Freedom Ride, 3919 Bay Lake Rd., Orlando, FL 32808 which was the Commander and President’s Special Project.