1SG Larry Edward Wright, US Army (Ret.), 76, of Hopkins, SC, died on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Born February 2, 1949, in Delta, Colorado, he was the son of the late Clyde Henry Wright and Helen Tilly Wright.
1SG Wright was a US Army veteran that honorably served his country for more than 20 years. During the Vietnam War, he received many decorations for his valor, including the National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Citation Unit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.
1SG Wright received his bachelor's degree from Limestone University and later earned his master's degree from Dakota Wesleyan University. Following his military career, he was employed by Limestone University as a Business Professor and Midstate Coordinator. 1SG Wright also was employed in the private sector as the Manager of a Bojangles franchise for 19 years. 1SG Wright enjoyed travelling with his family and was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church, where he attended the JOY Sunday School class. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. 1SG Wright enjoyed volunteering his time helping veterans at the VA.
Survivors include his sons, Andrew Wright and Stephen Wright, grandchildren, Matthew Wright, Lindsay Haile, Emily Haile, and Chad Wright, as well as his brothers, Michael Wright and Kenneth Wright. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne G. Wright, his daughter, Stephanie Wright, and a brother, Clyde Wright.
The funeral service for 1SG Wright will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 23, in the Dunn-Smith Ministry Center at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205, with Rev. James Grubb officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the Dunn-Smith Ministry Center at Shandon United Methodist Church beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The committal service will be held following the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Children's Greenville, Office of Philanthropy, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.