Larry Wright

Throughout his lifetime, Larry Wright, Jr. enjoyed working hard, but he realized there is so much more to life as well. He found peace and solitude outdoors as that is truly where he loved to be. Larry was a family man who viewed the greatest days in his life to be the days that each of his children was born, and his children were his greatest source of pride and joy. He was a back-to-basics type of man who loved tinkering in his shop, and could seem to learn just about anything he put his mind to.

The 1950s were a transformational time in the history of the United States. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, rock ‘n roll was born and with many hit singles, Elvis Presley emerged as one of the world's first rock stars. The Space Program was in its infancy and America was a country of only 48 states until 1959. It was in the year 1956 that Larry and Ruth (Anderson) Wright were celebrating the birth of their son, Larry Jay, on July 21st in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Larry was the oldest of three children in the Wright family, and his dad worked for 32 years at Western Electric to provide for their active family. In the mid sixties, their family moved from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, and then in the early seventies, they built a home with plenty of acreage south of Galesburg.

In many ways, Larry enjoyed a childhood laced with both work and fun. As a young boy he liked traveling, camping, fishing, playing softball and was also active in the local 4-H program. Larry was joined in his family by two younger sisters, and as an older brother he was fun – maybe even too much fun at times! Larry had lots of neighborhood friends and the Wright's house was always a gathering spot for fun. There was always a large vegetable garden and Larry started to plant pumpkins and began his first enterprise by selling pumpkins in the front yard which later turned into a family business. It was also during his formative years that Larry began collecting rocks, a favorite hobby that would continue throughout the rest of his life.

Larry could solve any puzzle and could fix anything. It became a family challenge each Christmas with aunts, uncles, and all the cousins gathered around to see if the latest puzzle would stump him! Larry later used these skills when he purchased his first car from his parents, a 1965 Black Mustang, with a broken transmission for $50. As dad left for work he sternly told Larry "don't tear that transmission apart, you will never get it back together again". Larry tore it apart and covered the garage floor with parts, bought a four dollar part and had it back together the next day. He drove that car for several years.

It wasn’t long after he graduated that big changes were in store for Larry – changes that would change the course of his life. In 1976 he attended a gathering where he met a young girl who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Barbara Jones and after dating for a time, the couple was married on June 24, 1977, beginning a new chapter in a love story that would span more than 30 years. They were later blessed with the births of five children: Larry Jay III, Jennifer, William, David, and John.

Throughout the years, Larry worked at a variety of jobs in order to support his family. For some time he worked at Checker Motors, followed by National Waterlift, and then at Bronson Precision Products, located just south of Coldwater. After that, Larry decided to start his own construction contracting company called Wright Home Improvement. Since he enjoyed tinkering and fixing things, this proved to be a good fit for him. This business has kept him busy for about the last 10 years and no matter where he was working, Larry always enjoyed working.

There were many additional interests that Larry enjoyed when he had the time. He loved hunting and with 60 acres of his own, the outdoors was easily his favorite place to be. Larry recently learned blacksmithing and could often be found at his forge and tinkering in his shop where he kept all his tools. He loved his tools and knew exactly where he kept each one. This meant that he could easily tell if one of his boys had been borrowed since it most certainly would have been slightly out of place! Larry also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his St. Bernard named Bruno, and he loved listening to rock ‘n roll music. He was pleased when he became a grandfather to Larry IV, Landon, and Elliana, as he viewed his family as his greatest accomplishment.

Larry Wright, Jr. was a no frills kind of guy who was intelligent and a quick learner. He knew how to put in a hard day’s work, but he also recognized the importance of enjoying other things in life too. He was an avid outdoorsman blessed with 60 acres of land to call his own where he loved to spend much of his time. Larry was a family man who just recently, made sure that his children knew just how proud he was of each and every one of them. As his family and friends now bid him farewell, they will forever treasure the moments they were given with their beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Larry was such a special man to so many and will be dearly missed.

Larry J. Wright II of Vicksburg died on Tuesday, November 10, 2009. Larry’s family includes his wife of 32 years, Barbara; five children: Larry Jay (Elizabeth) Wright III, of Vicksburg; Jennifer Wright, of Schoolcraft; William (Susan) Wright, of Three Rivers; David Wright and John Wright at home; three grandchildren: Larry IV, Landon, Elliana; his mother, Ruth Wright, of Climax; sisters: Susan Wright and Judy Wright, both of Galesburg. He is preceded in death by his father Larry J. Wright, Sr. in 2007.

Learn more about Larry and visit with his family and friends while sharing light refreshments, Monday, November 16th, from 12 noon until 1 p.m, with funeral services immediately following at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (649-1697). Please visit Larry’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online or make a memorial donation to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.