KILMARNOCK—Richard Graham Wright, 86, of Kilmarnock, and formerly of Abingdon, died peacefully at home on July 11, 2026. He was the only son of Stuart G. Wright and Catherine Hagy Wright of Abingdon, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Eliza Jo (Gray) Wright; his daughter, Lisa Robyn Wright Thomas (Bruce); his son, David Graham Wright (Kimberly); six grandchildren, Benjamin Edward Thomas (fiancée April), Jonathan Stuart Thomas (Brooke), Tyler Langan Wright (Lucy), Cora Elizabeth Wright Decoud (Ryan), Hunter Gray Wright (fiancée Caroline) and Sophie Nicole Wright. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, McKenzie Grace Thomas, Scarlett Leigh Thomas, Rosie Joan Thomas, Eloise Maureen Decoud, Lainey Mae Thomas, Robert Nejm Wright; and close cousins and dear friends, one devoted brother-in-law, Ed Gray Jr. A heartfelt note of gratitude to Dr. Joseph Bessler for his wonderful expertise and care for almost 30 years.
Mr. Wright spent his life in the field of education. He began his career as a teacher-coach in Washington County Public School system. He moved into the front office as a financial administrator in the same county and from there he moved to Kilmarnock to become the dean of finance and administration at Rappahannock Community College, serving both the Glenns and Warsaw campus. He was hired by James N. Stover, Richmond County Public Schools, as principal at Farnham and co-principal at Warsaw whereupon he retired in 1995.
Mr. Wright, a poplar young man, was a high school standout in football, enjoyed basketball and baseball and was president of both his junior and senior classes at William King High School in Abingdon. He continued to play football at W&M under the leadership of Coach Lou Holtz. He also was president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and was a proud graduate of the College of Willam and Mary ’63. He earned his master’s from ETSU and was a candidate for his doctoral degree from VPI & SU.
He was an educator, a first-rate father to his children, grandchildren and great grands. He honored his Methodist faith by serving on the boards of both his Abingdon and Kilmarnock churches. Richard was an avid gardener, always trying for that lip-smacking, sun-tasting ripe tomato by July 4th every summer.
He ands his wife, Eliza Jo, were lifetime sweethearts, enjoying 63 years of marriage and wonderful family memories with their children Robyn and David with lots of laughter and fun. Godspeed you to Glory, Richard Wright!
Services will be held at KUMC by pastor Chris Watson in Kilmarnock on July 18, with visiting hour beginning at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m. and reception given by church friends following the service.
Cremation will be arranged by Currie Funeral Home of Kilmarnock.
