Celebrating the life of
Richard L. Wright
September 30, 1953 - January 09, 2026
Richard Lynn Wright (72) was born September 30, 1953, in Valdosta, GA, and died peacefully at home January 9, 2026, in Savannah, GA, after a brief illness. The eldest of three children of Eugene F. Wright and Billie Ruth (Nix) Wright, Richard grew up in Georgia, Japan, Virginia, and Germany, following his dad’s Army assignments. He graduated in 1971 from Zweibrücken High School, where he was senior class president. Back in the U.S., he enrolled in Valdosta State College. When his dad was reassigned to the Panama Canal Zone, Richard moved back to northern Virginia’s better job market, where he completed his business degree at George Mason University while working full time.
He met his future wife Jan there in 1979. They married in 1980 and raised two daughters, Stephanie and Virginia. Richard and Jan moved to Savannah in 2006 to be closer to their parents, escape metro DC traffic, and get out on the water together. During COVID, he suggested they find a second home in Richmond, VA, to be closer to Stephanie and Virginia’s families there, and they did.
Richard loved sports, as a participant and a fan. He played little league and high school baseball and played both ways on his high school football team. He enjoyed fresh-water fishing with his dad and later became an expert saltwater fly fisherman, traveling the world and creating great memories. As a fan, he enjoyed watching college basketball and professional ice hockey, baseball, and football.
Richard was an avid reader, audiophile, and cinephile. He learned to make furniture, rebuild cars, create English gardens, tie flies, ballroom dance, brew beer, and master any cuisine that captured his imagination. A modern-day renaissance man.
He loved international travel and enjoyed the planning and anticipation as much as the actual experience. He felt blessed to have visited 35 countries, learning about their history, people, and culture; and he enjoyed bantering with Jan in Spanish and French at home. A favorite pastime was following travel blogs both to see new destinations and revisit old ones through others’ eyes. He is especially grateful to have taken artist-daughter Virginia to London and Paris in 2014 and Stephanie’s family there in 2025.
Richard’s professional career was in human resources with the U.S. Departments of the Army, Navy, and Agriculture. Trading guns for butter, his last assignments were with the Soil Conservation Service and Forest Service. He retired in 1994 to be a “stay-at-home dad” for his girls.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Valerie Jan (Osborn) Wright, his daughters Stephanie Lynn (Justin) Schoop and Virginia Leigh (Dustin) Myers, and his granddaughters Austin Lynn and Dylan Pauline Schoop. He is also survived by his brother William E. (Lynne) Wright and sister Susan Kei (David) Barney, mother-in-law Ruth Valerie Osborn Utsey, sister-in-law Elaine Anne (Tom) Jeffrey, and brother-in-law Stephen A. (Taraneh) Becker, extended family, and friends.
Family was everything to Richard. As a husband, Richard was a devoted and loving partner, encourager, and protector who was secure in Jan’s love. As a father, he always had Stephanie and Virginia’s well-being and happiness in mind, encouraging them and delighting in their families and pursuits great and small. He simply adored them and was blessed to know how very much they loved him.
At Richard’s request, services will be private in Richmond, VA, with a plan that his ashes be buried at sea at a later date. The family expresses its appreciation to Hospice Savannah for their skilled, compassionate support. Should you wish to honor Richard’s memory through charitable giving, please consider Casting for Recovery, Coastal Conservation Association Georgia, or the United States Power Squadrons.
A candle has been lit!
Jan, our hearts break at such sad news. Richard seems much too young to leave us, but we can but rejoice at his full life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
- David and Debra Allen, Columbia, SC
Jan - my deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
- Ron Jones, Punta Gorda, FL
Sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was an exceptional person and had a full life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and if there is anything we can do for you please let us know. Your friends Mike & Nancy
- Mike & Nancy Zafoot , Columbia , South Carolina
A candle has been lit!
My condolences on your loss. He will be missed among all of us.
- Karl Wagner, Stamford, CT
Jan, it was always a pleasure to see Richard with you at Power Squadron events. Jim and I are so sorry. We are thinking of you and remembering the good times.
- Snowden, Clemson , SC
Oh, Jan, words do not adequately express my emotions at this time for you and your family. I wish all of you peace and strength during this period of grieving for as long as it is needed by you.
- MaryPaige Abbott, Sebastian, FL
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Richard. The bond you shared was truly special. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family now and always.
- Ann & Thomas Peltier, Patchogue, NY
Jan, Wishing you and your family peace and healing as you navigate this difficult time. May you take comfort in each other and your joyful and loving remembrances of Richard.
- Yvonne Hill, Cary, NC
Jan, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Richard rest in Gods hands.
- Mike & Mickey Bladel, Seneca, Sc
Jan, Louise and I will pray that Our Lord will wrap you in His loving arms and bring you comfort in this time of loss. Bob Potter
- Bob & Louise Potter, Bourbonnais, IL
Jan, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Greg and Connie
- Greg and Connie Shay, Cary, NC
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was definitely a renaissance man!
- Carl Huntley, Bangor, ME
A candle has been lit!
Jan, learning of Richard's passing left me heartbroken for you. But I pray that you and the family take comfort in his life that was very well lived indeed. Holding you and your family close in our thoughts and prayers.
- Anna Morris, Tampa, FL
Jan, we are so sorry for your loss. Richard was a great husband, father and grandfather and he'll be missed. I spent a number of days fishing with Richard both here and in FL as we both shared that passion. Attached is a photo from our trip to FL in 2010 and as usual, he has his fly rod at the ready! We are here to help when you are ready.
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- Dennis and Lisa Cusanelli, Savannah, Georgia
What an extraordinary man. But I should've expected no less as Jan's husband and long time partner. So very sorry for your loss but also grateful he did not suffer long. He leaves a lasting legacy.
- Ann Fenstermacher , Savannah, GA
Jan, I know how it hurts, Ruth passed in February and I'm still so missing her. But like many things this hurt too will pass over time. I'm sure he would want you to enjoy your life and prepare to meet him in the future.
- Charlie Ross, Wills Point, 44: TX
A candle has been lit!
So sorry to hear about Richard. I heard about several days ago when I was talking with Dennis. Our prayers are with you and your family.
- Ron and Liz Lynch, Lancaster, SC
Jan, there are no words that can ease this pain, but please know that we are thinking of you and holding you close in our hearts. Allan & Paula
- Allan T Bombard MD & Paula J Vance, San Diego, CA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200