Paul Douglas Wright, a cherished member of the Sneads community, a devoted family man, and a loyal friend to many, passed away on April 8, 2024, at the age of 68. Born in Alliance, Florida, on October 2, 1955, and having spent his sunset years in Sneads, Paul’s presence was a beacon of joy and positivity for all who knew him.
Paul was the loving son of the late Lonnie Wright, Jr., and Edith Lloyd Wright, and brother to the late Jimmy Lynn Wright and brother-in-law to the late Bonnie Wright. Though preceded in death by these dear family members, Paul’s legacy is carried on by his devoted siblings: Carolyn Baggett (Larry), Jerry Wright (Lee), and David Nick Wright, along with Theresa Wright, his sister-in-law. A dear uncle and friend, Paul’s memory is also honored by numerous nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends who became his extended family through the years.
A proud graduate of Sneads High School, Paul demonstrated early on the value he placed on community, kinship, and hard work. These qualities shone brightly through his remarkable 30-year tenure with the State of Florida, where he dedicated his career to serving others at the Department of Corrections and Florida State Hospital.
Paul was a man of many passions, with Florida State football being his most fervent. His younger days were joyfully spent on the softball field, angling for the catch of the day, and fully embracing the great outdoors in the company of family and friends. He will be fondly remembered for his wide, welcoming smile, his readiness to share a story or a laugh, and his uncanny ability to make every stranger a friend.
In gatherings, be it at a fish fry or a family cookout, Paul was the heart of the celebration, often reminding others of the simple truth famously voiced by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” True to this sentiment, Paul was, above all, a beloved friend—a friend whose stories, warmth, and kindness will endure in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.
As he moves on from this life, it is not just a family that mourns Paul’s departure but an entire community that celebrates the life of a man who approached each day with constant love and friendship. Paul Douglas Wright’s memory lives on, a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy of goodwill.
A graveside service for Paul will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM Central Time in Pope Cemetery with Rev. Bill Mayo officiating and McAlpin Funeral Home directing. A time of visitation for friends and family will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Central Time at McAlpin Funeral Home.
