Ray Thaxton Wright, Sr.

Ray Thaxton Wright Sr. (85) of Arrington, VA passed away peacefully on July 11, 2024. Born September 22, 1938, in Fairfax, VA. He was the oldest son of the late Willie and Hattie Wright of Fairfax, VA. 

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Connie Eileen Mentzer Wright of Chambersburg, PA. and sister Joe Anne Wiley of Delaware.

 Left to cherish is memories are his sons, Ray T. Wright Jr. (Cathy) of Gilbert, AZ, and John S. Wright (Kelly) of Amherst, Va., and his long-time friend, Mitzi Tomlin, of Amherst, VA.

Five Grandchildren; Maria Padron (Nathan), Cody Wright, Madison Wright, Josie and Riley Wright and two great- grandchildren; Noah and Fae Padron.

Brother Charlie Wright of Front Royal, Va, special nieces and nephews; Eddie and Steve Wright, Sheila Speck Booth, and Janet Speck. As well as a host of family and special friends

The family would like to give special thanks to Mike and Jennifer Fitzgerald and Barbara Tyree for all they did to help Ray over the years. 

Ray served in the United States Army for seven years during the Vietnam Era in Berlin, Germany as a Military Police Sergeant. Ray was a branch manager for Continental Baking Company in Merrifield, VA ( Wonder Bread and Hostess Cakes) until he retired in 1978.

Ray and his wife, Connie, moved their family to Nelson County, Va in 1978 to the family farm of “ Josie’s Knoll” in Freshwater Cove. Ray worked for Lovingston IGA, Nelson County Sheriff’s office; where he was a deputy sheriff. Ray and his wife, Connie also opened up Connie’s Corner in Arrington, VA. Ray worked for the County of Nelson and transitioned into the Nelson County Service Authority, unit he retired for good.

Ray was a former member of the Optimist International, from which he received The Optimist of the Year for the Northern Virginia Region for his undying love for youth football. He served as Commissioner of the Herndon League in 1975.

Ray loved building rock walls, or anything he could rock up. He would either have a rock in his pocket, or on the back of his pickup truck. He was the same with his big, heavy railroad ties. Later in life he enjoyed restoring old Ford tractors and lawnmowers.

A graveside service to celebrate his life will be held, Monday, July 15, 2024 11:30 am at Woodland Baptist Church Cemetery, 4434 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington, VA 22922, with Pastor John Campbell and Pastor Greg McCormick officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives at the church one hour before the service.

Arrangements provided by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, VA (434-263-4097).