Ronnie was born June 16, 1938 in Botetourt County, Virginia. When he was a child, his family moved to the Lynchburg area. His competitive spirit helped him become a standout athlete at Brookville High School. He was the starting football quarterback and also started on the basketball and baseball teams.
He joined the United States Air Force which took him to Germany to faithfully serve his country. After his honorable discharge he opened several barber shops and eventually settled at Boonsboro Shopping Center where he became a fixture in the community for decades at Boonsboro Barber Shop. During that time, he also began buying rental apartment buildings and homes which he developed into Wright Properties.
He and his wife, Gail, loved antiquing and after having a space in The Peddler Antique store they eventually opened Mountain Meadow Antiques in Forest and Ronnie spent hours meticulously refinishing all the furniture Gail brought home to showcase in their store.
When he wasn’t working he was either on the golf course or fishing. He was a long-time member at London Downs and was thrilled to spend a day with his golfing inspiration, Arnold Palmer. He launched his boat in rivers and lakes around the region. He also traveled to Alaska and brought home a load of salmon.
He enjoyed taking his family each year to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina starting in 1977. He spent time on the beach, on the bike trails and, of course, on the many golf courses there.
Ronnie was a long-time member of Thomas Road Baptist Church.
He leaves behind his children, Randy Wright, Michelle Wright (Tony) of Pittsburgh, PA, David Wright (Haley) of Lynchburg and Derek Wright (Roxane) of Pittsburgh, PA. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Zachary, Allison, Megan, Jordan and Jackson.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Wright, his parents Leslie and Jeannette Patterson Wright, and his beloved brother Danny.
A celebration of life and faith for Ronald will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM at Whitten Monelison Chapel, with Pastor Matt Willmington officiating.
Following the service, the family will receive friends from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Special Olympics, www.specialolympicsva.org.
