Larry Ray Wright

He was born on March 25, 1943, in Evansville, Indiana, to Harry and Ada Wright. After serving two tours in Vietnam, Larry moved to Florida, where he began building a life by starting a family and pursuing his education. In 1978, he settled in Tallahassee and began his career with the State of Florida. In 1992, he was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District, where he served with dedication until his retirement.

On September 25, 2000, Larry married Billie in Tallahassee. Together, they shared a love of travel, flea markets, craft shows, and, most importantly, time with family. They were devoted fans of Florida State University football and baseball and enjoyed attending games together. Larry also found great joy in telling classic dad jokes, bass fishing at Lake Talquin, and participating in a long-standing poker game that spanned almost 50 years.

Larry is survived by his children: Sandy Waters (Dean), Dan Wright, Roxanne Fix (Trever), and Mike Cook (Dawn); his grandchildren: Lonnie Waters (Paige), Brittany Jessup (Blake), Sheena Fix, Cole Fix (Candie), Cody Fix (Paulina), Bradley Maynard (Adaya), Brandy

Hammers (Shawn), Robert Duke (Danielle), Shawn Cook, Samantha Schemp (Josh), and Chris Cook (Ally); his great-grandchildren: Noah Foth, Haylie Carpenter, Kortlyn Carpenter, Jaxy Fix, Alayna Schemp, Amias Schemp, Faith Youngblood, Cameron Maynard (Morgan), Abby Hammers, Anthony Duke (Hailey), Austin Duke, and Braxton Stockton; and his great-great-grandchildren: Claire Maynard and Skyla Duke. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Egnew; sisters-in-law, Renee Wright and Wanda Merritt (Mitchell); and brother-in-law, James Jacobs (Olga).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ada Wright; his beloved wife, Billie; his brother, Dennis Wright; brothers-in-law, Dale Jacobs, Timothy Tulk, and Joseph Tulk; sister-in-law, Jenny Merritt; and his daughter, Tonie Duke.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32311, on April 30, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Celebration of Life Reception will take place at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308, on April 30, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.