Ted Wright

April 23, 1937 – October 21, 2025

Edward Truman “Ted” Wright Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on the morning of October 21, 2025. A longtime resident of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, and Sky Valley, Georgia, Ted was born in New York City on April 23, 1937. During his youth, he lived in several places, including Lake Placid, NY, and White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

The son of hotelier E. Truman Wright and Harriett Wright, Ted followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, where he met his beloved wife of 62 years, Rachel Laidly Wright.

Ted began his hospitality career at The Greenbrier, where he worked for seven years, followed by a decade with Marriott Corporation in Virginia, Dallas, Houston, and at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1977, he moved east to become Vice President and Managing Director of The Cloister and Sea Island operations, where he served for 20 years. Among his many professional accomplishments, Ted was named the American Hotel Association’s Resort Executive of the Year and was honored as Independent Hotelier of the World by Hotel Magazine in the early 1990s.

A man of faith and service, Ted was a devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica and an active Rotarian for more than 40 years, serving in both the Brunswick and St. Simons clubs. Following his retirement in 1997, he gave his time generously as a volunteer with Manna House and the Boys & Girls Club.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Laidly Wright; his sister, Marcia Wright; and his parents, E. Truman and Harriett Wright.

He is survived by his three children: Dr. Edward T. “Ted” Wright III (Debbie) of Thomasville, GA; Kathryn “Kitsie” Wright Cain (Michael) of Buford, GA; and William Scott Wright (Melissa) of Nashville, TN.; his grandchildren Edward Truman Wright IV of Louisville, KY; Harrison Averitt Christian Wright (Emmaline) of Thomasville, GA; Michael Bradley Cain, Jr. (Samarah) of Buford, GA; Kimberly Michelle Cartwright (Jed) of Buford, GA; and Daniel Lawrence Cain (Kristen) of Atlanta, GA; as well as five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Walter David Wright (Jeris) of St. Simons Island; his sister, Barbara Jean Wright of Brunswick; and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for both Ted and Rachel will be held at Wesley Church at Frederica on Sunday, November 2nd, at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley Church at Frederica or Manna House in Brunswick.