Grandpa,

Yet again you met me at Disney this weekend I just know it.  Thank you for making it a place I will always treasure with my own family.  You would love to see the look on Grant and Emily's faces when we are there.  Reminds me of you.  Thanks for always making that place feel extra magical.  Love and miss you! 
Amy

Uncle Ray I know how much your family hurts and misses you everyday. The two greatest men I have always known throughout my life are you and my Dad. On June 1st he joined you in heaven he always told me he missed his brother Raymond. Please give him a hug for me and then tell him to hug you back for me. I love and miss you both.

There is seldom a time when I step out the front door to do my exercise that I don't think about how much Art and I miss your presence in the neighborhood! I still remember the year that we had that hurricane when you and Art, knee deep in water, took it upon yourselves to go up and down the street, removing debris from the storm drains. It hurts my heart  to know the loss your family must endure! You would be proud of your daughter Laurie. She has been great company for her mom! You and Sally raised some great kids! Make sure you visit my parents up there in heaven Ray, and tell them that I miss them!

Gunny! (You have probably been promoted at this point so excuse my insubordination)--

I just returned from a black-op only to be sent off on another. What can I say, when duty calls you answer it, right? (And no, I'm not talking about the 'duty' that always made you laugh..although, I still haven't managed to find 'base' to do my duty at school. Persistence is key) Think about you every day big guy. Keep directing traffic from up there. Mom always said I benefit from direction haha. Semper Fi!

Mark

Father's Day was not the same without you. My heart hurts. Miss you.

Gunny,

I just saw a video Mom took of your 80th birthday where everyone was singing Happy Birthday to you. Mom said, "I hope you get what you wished for!" and you know what you said? You said, "I already got what I wished for." I am just starting a grueling 2 weeks at school before finals start (no rest for we special operators) and I'll admit, I'm kind of mad about it. I can't seem to get my head above water and sometimes I spend more time complaining than executing my orders. But that simple sentence, one you made without a second thought, just put a lot of things into perspective for me. I wish I could explain the impact you've had--and continue to have--on all of us down here. Your presence is evident and your spirit lives within all of us, and will continue to do so until I am KIA. Until then, Semper Fidelis Gunny!

Dad, 
 
Thank you for the wonderful memories you left me with
And for all the extra time you fought so hard to give.
 
Even when it could not be beat
You continued to be...always so sweet.
 
The relationship we shared will give me the power 
to make it through the pain each passing hour.
 
I was the lucky one to have had such a wonderful Dad!
And a childhood most would love to have.
 
You were an inspiration and a real family man
Ha, no one could keep it cleaner than you can.
 
Thank you for the love you gave to me
And for the child within you let me see.
 
When I saw the twinkle in your eyes...I knew another priceless memory was going to be born
Now my children carry the gene you passed on to them with horns. :)
 
A piece of me is missing...
And and I think of you everyday...
I feel you with me as my Angel...
until we meet again someday.
 
XO
 
Love Always,
Laurie

Gunny,

I saw this video of a ghost knocking Fruit Roll-Ups off a grocery shelf and of course, I immediately thought of you! (http://now.msn.com/now/0323-ghosts-fruit-roll-ups.aspx) Sounds like a prank you would pull! I hope all is well with you, I'm sure you have your hands full watching over all of us...especially me during my special ops, which by now you know, never end hahaha. Mom and Dad are taking good care of Grandma, we even got her watering plants outside..progress! haha. Stay out of trouble big guy!

I remember the first day I met Dad. Intimidated would be an understatement! I'm not sure if I was more afraid of Timber or him if I made one wrong move.

From day one I admired the respect he commanded and as the years went by I learned to admire so much more. It was clear he was like few men I had known or would ever know.

Needless to say marrying a girl who absolutely adores her father is difficult enough and certainly didn't get any easier as I watched their love grow week after week, Friday after Friday. It's not surprising he really was an easy man to admire and adore.

First there was his work ethic - once he got beyond breakfast with the guys at Dunkin Donuts I'm sure there was no better Tel Tech in the state of New York. I can't imagine the toughness it took to battle those frigid Syracuse winters year after year for 38years. You just couldn't slow him down - if he had a job to do it was gonna get done and most importantly done RIGHT!

Then there was the love of his family and in particular his unwavering commitment to MOM. Talk about big shoes to fill! Spoiled, coddled, pampered take your pick mom was all of them. For 60 years he made sure her every need was tended to. I learned a whole lot over the years about being a husband, father and even a grandfather from watching him.
 
Once he set mom up with her morning coffee, peanut butter toast---light and dry--- and bacon it was time to care for everything else. A man's home is his castle is certainly a motto dad lived by and if his home was his castle then his cars were his chariots and he cared for both like no other. Everything looked like new and ran like new all the time. He enjoyed work around the house and took great pride in everything he did. 

Tinkering around the house gave him a chance to gossip with the neighbors---time he really enjoyed. I personally haven't met many of the neighbors but I gotta tell you that never stopped Dad from telling stories. He couldn't help talking about dinner with Annie and Marti or shooting the breeze with Harry, Grace, Gina, Art or anyone else that walked on by. In his mind Naples, Island walk and the people in it was the pot of gold at the end of the Rainbow.
 
As tough and hard-working a guy dad was he always made time for fun. I can't imagine how much fun it was with him at the world's fairs, camping on Westcott beach or Green Lakes. The stories just never get old. For us dad was like having a fifth kid around. He would spend hours on the floor playing with the kids. When it came to Disney or Busch Gardens he brought out the kid in everyone.
 
As his grandchildren got older they quickly realized that the easiest way to do something fun was to get grandpas buy in – a no brainer- if grandpa wanted to do it---it was gonna happen. He just lit up whenever he went to Disney and his joy was contagious. He would go from morning to night and get up and do it all again. When asked just a few short weeks ago what is it he would like to do for his birthday he quickly said – “Disney I guess” -and off he went for one last visit to that magical place he enjoyed so much. Needless to say it was a very special time.
 
We all know Dad was a fighter. He took 4-6 weeks and turned them into 2 ½ years! He did that for us. So we could have just a little more time to enjoy his company as we prepared for this day. 

Regardless of what you called him Dad, Buddy, Grandpa, Gunny, Ray, Daddy, Neighbor, Gramps, or HONEY he was a special man that will be missed by all.
 
As tough as all this is we must always remember - we are all better for having known him and we will all move forward with a piece of him in our hearts – forever!
We love you Dad!

I miss you Gunny..I think about you every day. I wore your American Flag pin on my suit today in court...all I kept thinking was how you always said "MORGAN AND MORGAN!" Love you big guy.

Aunt  Sally, Ron , Linda, Laurie, Bob and families,

We were all very saddened to learn of Uncle Ray's passing Please accept our deepest sympathies.

At times like this there are so many emotions flowing through all that knew him. There is a great sadness at the loss of a wonderful person. How we will miss him. How things will be different without him. However, he will always be with us in spirit and in our hearts. 

My thoughts quickly return to all of the joyful times that we each shared with Uncle Ray who always brought a smile to everyone on all family occasions. Many of my favorite memories go back to a point in my life when I was the same age some of Ray's great grandchildren are today. All of times we spent camping, Springside Inn for Easter dinner, Christmas at Grandma Klein's with the surprise box that would get traded between my dad and Uncle Ray and even a couple of Worlds Fairs. 

In that better place where we all come back together I'm sure Uncle Ray has found peace.

You all remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Love, Rick, Helen, Tommy, Alex and Michelle

dear aunt sally, linda, ronnie, bobby and laurie,

i am so sorry to hear about uncle ray.  he will always be in my thoughts and i have wonderful memories of all of you when I was growing up.  i know that he will always be watching over all of you and will always be there for your best moments and hopefully we will all be able to see him again when we go to heaven!!!  take care all of you!!!

debbie and dave phinney

Dear Sally and kids.  I am so saddened by the loss of my brother I can't imagine how hard all of this is on all of you.  He was a wonderful brother and friend.  I have so many happy memories of the times we had growing up.  He was always my big brother.  He teased, he bullied (once when we were kids, I found a $10 bill frozen in the ice and sat on it until it melted and brought it home, Ray asked me where I got it and I told him and he took it! ha! ha!) but he also protected me and I always knew he would be there for me.  I miss him terribly already.  He loved all of you so deeply and wholeheartedly.  He was so dedicated to all of you and enjoyed every minute he spent with you.  I thank the Lord that God gave me Raymond as my brother.  I will always treasure the memories I have of him.  Please know that Noretta and I will keep all of you in our prayers.  God Bless all of you.  Peter and Noretta

Grandpa- You were definatley one of the characters in the family, always with a smile, always making jokes in almost every situation. Great person to be around always high spirits around you. It was always exciting to hear you and Grandma were coming to visit or I was able to make the trip to see you two. You will always be remembered and talked about in this way by me, many great memories will constantly be shared. You will always be loved and missed.

Dear Grandma- You knew him best, You  were able to enjoy his love and company the longest. You are still not alone, the rest of your family is never too far away or out of reach. I will come visit first chance I get. Love you.

Dear Aunt Sally, Ronnie, Linda, Laurie and Bobby and your beautiful families.  I was so sorry to hear the news of Uncle Ray's passing.  He was a kind, loving, gracious and caring father, grandfather, friend and Uncle.  I have such fond memories of him and all of you.  I truly regret that we didn't get to spend more time together while we were growing up.  I know I would have liked that.  I have just finished looking through the photos.  Thank you so much for posting them.  They are a joy to look at.  All that started with you Aunt Sally and Uncle Ray.  How proud you must be!  God has blessed us all greatly and though I am sad to hear he has brought Uncle Ray home I am happy too that now he suffers no more and will be spending eternity with our loving God.  Please know that you all are in my prayers for peace and comfort during this time of loss.  I love you all.  Karen

We are deeply saddened at the loss of our neighbor and friend, Ray. He will be missed so much! There is comfort in knowing that he eternally rests in our Lord's loving care!

Uncle Ray I will never be able to put into words what my heart truly feels “You are a once in a lifetime”. Your smile, warm heart and beautiful blue eyes always touched our hearts. Something about the room always changed when you walked in. You have touched more lives than you will ever know and you will always be missed.
I will always hold dear in my heart that day we talked. Thank you for all of the memories I have and hold, and please always know that I am only one of many who loved you with all my heart. I saw this poem the other day and I think it was truly written for you and your family.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so he put his arms around you and whispered "Come to Me"
With tearful eyes, your family watched you and saw you pass away and although we all love you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart has now stopped beating hard working hands are now at rest.
God has broken many hearts to prove "He only takes the Best"....

I love you Uncle Ray and you will always, always, always be in my heart....

With all of my Love 
Your niece Kathie

Uncle Ray I will never be able to put into words what my heart truly feels â€œYou are a once in a lifetimeâ€. Your smile, warm heart and beautiful blue eyes always touched our hearts. Something about the room always changed when you walked in. You have touched more lives than you will ever know and you will always be missed.
I will always hold dear in my heart that day we talked. Thank you for all of the memories I have and hold, and please always know that I am only one of many who loved you with all my heart. I saw this poem the other day and I think it was truly written for you and your family.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so he put his arms around you and whispered "Come to Me"
With tearful eyes, your family watched you and saw you pass away and although we all love you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart has now stopped beating hard working hands are now at rest.
God has broken many hearts to prove "He only takes the Best"....

I love you Uncle Ray and you will always, always, always be in my heart....

With all of my Love 
Your niece Kathie

Dear Sally,

My heart is filled with sadness for you and your wonderful family.  David and I are so very sorry, and I feel especially sorry I was unable to be with you on Saturday.  My thoughts and prayers have been with you every day.

I cried as I looked at all your family pictures, remembering the fun times that you and Ray, and George and I shared together, with our respective families -- Dixon Drive, Spruce Tree Lane, and all our picnics and camping trips, our Easter dinners at Springside Inn -- all very special memories.

I remember Ray always holding your hand, wherever you were, and his infectious smile and sparkling eyes.  It's been many years, probably 14 or 15, since we last were together, but I'm sure that smile and sparkle remained with Ray up until the last few weeks.

He fought a valiant fight again an insidious disease and I know that he now is at peace and in a better place.

Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ron, Linda, Laurie and Bob and their families.  

Love, Marilyn and David

To the Wright Family,

I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend time with Mr. Wright and see what a great man he was. After Amy's baby shower, dirty diapers will never be the same -- watching the funny faces grandpa Wright made as he tried to figure out which melted candy bar was in there was a great time. I have heard so many great stories about him, and I'm sure there are plenty more. He will be in my prayers.

Love, John.

Dear Aunt Sally,
 
We are truly saddened by the passing of Uncle Ray.  Mom has been passing along the communications this past week from Laurie about his condition.  Our condolences to you and the extended family.
 
The past couple of years must have been difficult, but every moment I am sure was cherished. We must take solace in knowing that he is now in a better in place and reunited with Dad among many others.  
 
When I think about Uncle Ray, I always think about all the camping trips to Green Lakes, Westcott Beach and Lake George.  Sitting around the campfires and the adults sipping their "Cold Duck".  Uncle Ray always took great pride in getting the trailer parked, leveled and the canopy (and screen) up before the Klein's.  The truth is, we always let him beat us. (lol).  We will always have our memories of the great times we all had growing up and we will miss Uncle Ray.
 
Please let Laurie, Linda, Bobby and Ron know we are thinking of them during this difficult time.
 
Love,
Dan, Bobbie, Danielle, Joe and Jason

Gunny,

There is no such thing as an impossible mission. That is what I'll remember most about you.

Sure, I'll always remember you saying "Mark, what the heck is that on your face? You're gonna get demoted if you don't shave that face of yours!" I'll always remember those sirens you used to make in the passenger's seat while I drove. I'll always think of you whenever I hear someone say "WOMAN!" I'll always remember how you would poke at me and then get yelled at by Grandma, "Ray! Leave that poor kid alone!" I'll always remember--perhaps my  greatest lifetime achievement--the reaction I got out of you when I called you, pretending be your neighbor, and accused you of stealing my newspaper. I am almost certain that was the first time I have ever heard you curse. "Oh yeah? I'm gonna come over there kick your ***!--*click*"--success! I think your neighbor owes me for saving his life! I'll always remember your stories, like how you tied one end of a chain to a fire hydrant and the other end to a city bus. After hearing that one I learned where I got my "ingenuity" from! I'll always remember your love for sweets, your attention to detail, your devotion to family, your mischievous personality, your unconditional love, your obsession with cars, your "Hit em' in the pocket book!" comment, your love for Disney, your passion for conspiracy theories, your selflessness, your strength, your perseverance, I could go on and on. But I think what will stand out in my mind the most was your ability to effortlessly accomplish the impossible.

You had two options when you were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer--give up or fight. When the doctors said you had just months to live, you said no! There will never be enough adjectives to describe how valiant you fought. Most people would be devastated by such terrible news, drained and without the will to live. Not Gunny. You attacked it just like you wanted to attack that neighbor who accused you of stealing his newspaper! You were tasked with an impossible mission and you executed it with courage, determination, and resolve. God recognized that you were ready for another mission, so he called you to join his ranks. 

Any person who ever had the good fortune of crossing paths with you during your life is a better person because of it. There are so many things I wish I could thank you for, but there just isn't enough paper or enough time in the world. There is one thing I'd like to specifically thank you for though. Thank you for digging down deep inside and finding enough energy to treat Mom and I to one last trip to Disney. Talk about a feat of strength! To see you smile after months of uncertainty and bad news, that is a gift that I will cherish for the rest of my life! You constantly thanks Mom and I for taking you, but we are the thankful ones. We would do that again in a heartbeat. I'll never forget when we were at MGM and we walked inside to get a hot chocolate and you threw a $20 bill at Mom and said "Get Mark a beer!" Just one of the many great memories I'll always have of you.

Bottom line, you impacted so many lives while you were with us, especially mine. I am so grateful to have had a grandfather like you--a true example of strength, morality, and love. I hope that one day I can be half as tough, half as selfless, and half as loving as the man you were (and still are). You accomplished the impossible and as heavy as my heart is with your passing, I can find solace in the fact that you are now pain free and able to enjoy your apple pie again! Serving with you was an honor I'll never forget!

I love you Grandpa. First Lieutenant out. 

Mark

To Sally and Family,
The many times we met Ray over the years are great memories. He always
talked about what a great family he had. We are very glad to have known 
such a fine man and very sad at his passing. May he rest in God's peace.

Uncle Ray I will truly miss you.  I will allways remember the many times I would pull on your leg and call you daddy you and my dad still look alike.  You were an amazing man always made time for you family and loved ones.  The memories will continue to live on for centuries to come.  I will never forget the last time I had the chance to give you a great big hug when you guys drove to Asheville to see my dad in the hospital.  I hope and pray that you know how much I truly loved you and that you are with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Aunt Sally and all I hope you know how truly sorry I am for your loss.  Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.  

Sandy (Wright) Wilson

For the relatively short time I was able to know Mr. Wright I could tell how great of a man he was.  He touched so many lives in extrodinary ways.  He filled so many lives with love and I know his memory will forever live. 

 
“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.” ~ Williams Penn

Love Mack

My sincere condolences to the Wright family and friends

Dad I will miss you more than words can ever say.  The man that has always been there for me.  You always took the time to be there from every little league game to graduation to marriage.  My whole life always encouraging and supporting me.  You taught me that family always comes. first.  Linda once told me "you are just like Dad".  That's the greatest compliment I have ever had. Dad you will be greatly missed and will always live on in me.  The more I can be like you the better husband and father I will be.  
Miss you Dad
Love Bob

Aunt Sally, Ronnie, Linda, Laurie and Bobby,  I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle Ray.  I hope you find comfort in your happy memories of him and peace in knowing that he is your guardian angel watching over you now.  I hope that he and my Mom are rejoicing at being reunited.  I am sending all of you many prayers.

Take care, Robin, Dennis, Douglas and Eric Hillpot

To the Ray Wright family,
I as so sorry to hear about Uncle Ray.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  I pray that Uncle Ray is united with his Mom, Dad, sister Barbara and brother Burt and they rejoice together in God's kingdom.  Greg May

Uncle Ray:  
I will always remember your beautiful smiling blue eyes.  You always lit up a room when you would walk into it.  I know you will be greatly missed, especially by my Dad.  To Aunt Sally and your children and grandchildren I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.  May they find comfort in the many cherished memories they have with you.

Uncle Raymond,
Even though I only got to see you a couple of times i will remember you, and love you. You and Uncle Peter reminded me of my dad after he passed away.  When i heard you passed I didn't know what to say. I always thought you, my dad were very handsome.  So even though we didn't see each other a lot i will always remember you, My Father, Burton H. Wright Jr. and                                                        Aunt Barbara

Dear Linda and Family, Please accepty our deepest sympathy in the loss of your precious Father. Our prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Love, Jackie and Russ Mars

Grandpa-
I couldn't believe the words I heard them say,
I couldn't believe my grandfather had passed away.
You will be missed more than you know,
I will cherish your memories everywhere I go.
My heart will smile when I think of the time
You held out your hand and asked for mine;
And we danced at Josh's wedding as you smiled at me.
That moment is cherished in my heart and will forever be.
I will laugh whenever I hear of Captain Marvel and those super heroes.
I will take pride when people ask me what “Operation Disney Storm” was, and let them know.
I will forever remember your sense of humor; 
And your ability to brighten the room when you walked in the door.
I will miss you more than words can say;
But I will carry your love and memories with me every day.
And Grandpa-
One day I will have a garage with a Wall of Fame,
And the very first spot; you will claim.

I love you Grandpa.
Love Stacy

Heaven has received another angel
The night sky another star
Your life has become a loving memory
I know you will never be far.
I know you are watching over me
As my life goes on
I will treasure the memories I have of you
I can't believe you're gone.
You were a loving and caring grandpa
You were there for me a lot
You will always hold a place in my heart
A loving treasured spot.
You were really one in a million
A cut above the rest
All that knew you would agree
You simply were the best.
I love and miss you with all my heart
But as long as I have my loving memories
We will never be too far apart.

 It is hard to believe you are gone, grandpa, but you will live forever in my heart. I know that you will be looking down on me each and every day from heaven leading me in the right direction throughout my life. I hope that I make you proud with all of the decisions I will make. I am the luckiest girl to have had a grandpa like you, full of love and generosity; you always found ways to make us laugh and feel comforted. When I find myself missing you I won't have to go far, I will look inside my heart because that is where I will find you.

 I will miss you dearly, but will treasure your memory forever!

 I love you grandpa,
 Your Little Katie

Grandpa,

It is hard to believe you are not here anymore but we know you are smiling down from heaven.  We will always remember the big family trip to Disney World in our matching army gear.  It was so much fun!  Emily will grow up knowing all about her great-grandpa and how much he loved Disney as much as her and her Mommy do.  We will always miss your company at family gatherings, your stories about the old days, your smile, your jokes, your laughter, your hugs and most of all your love!  You will be in our hearts forever and always.  We love you!

-Love Always,

Amy, Sean and Emily

OBITUARY

Raymond W Wright

January 22, 1931 – February 19, 2012

Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens

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