Lacy Wright, Jr.

Lacy Edward Wright age 79, passed away on November 12, 2024. He was preceded in death by his father, Lacy E. Wright, Sr. and mother, Elizabeth Gregory Wright; grandparents, Joseph (Maud) Wright, Emmitt Gregory, Grace Chappel Gregory Anderson and Howard (Skint) Anderson.

Mr. Wright is survived by his wife Gail Smith Wright; children, David A. (Christina) Wright and Gary D. (Stephanie) Wright; five grandchildren, Madison Wright, Amelia Wright, Noah Wright, Emily Wright and Rinnah Wright; siblings, Michael D. (Karen) Wright and Peggy J. (Burrow) Tilley.

Lacy met Gail in 1962 while they were students at Gadsden High School, where both sang with the Vevetone Choir. It was love at first date. They were married June 6, 1965. Six months after they married they moved to Auburn for Lacy to continue the education in Electrical Engineering which he had begun at Jacksonville State University. He was a member of the Air Force ROTC both at JSU and Auburn University. He left Auburn before graduation to enlist in the Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict. After training at Lackland AFB in Texas, and also in Rantoul, Illinois, he was stationed with the Strategic Air Command, 19th Bomb Wing at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA. This served as his base from which he kept the autopilot systems of Tankers and B-52 Bombers in working order. He traveled to many locations around the world in this capacity. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was nicknamed "Super Troop" by those serving with him.

During his military service, he obtained his pilot's license, which peaked his interest in an aviation career. After his military service he began working immediately with the Federal Aviation Administration, working as an air traffic controller in Macon, Georgia, and also at the Robins AFB. During his time there, he used his commercial pilot's license to began a charter flying service. His career with the FAA took him from Macon to Jacksonville, Florida, Birmingham Tower as a manager, to Ft. Rucker, AL, then to Atlanta, Georgia. He was proud that, while in Jacksonville, FL, he actually had the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels. He retired from the FAA in 2000. He immediately began his career as a barber at the Husky Barber Shop in Trussville, eventually purchasing the shop where he loved serving the community of Trussville and surrounding areas for 21 years. There are many young men who received their first haircuts from "Mr. Lacy" and later a haircut for their weddings.

During his lifetime he enjoyed cross-country motorcycle riding, often with Gail riding with him. His sons, David and Gary, took turns riding with him.

While he was working at Jacksonville International Airport, the family lived in Fernandina Beach, Florida. They were members of Bible Baptist Church where Lacy served as the worship leader for 11 years.

The family joined First Baptist Church Trussville in 1989, where Lacy served as a Deacon. He and Gail served together teaching Children and Adults in Sunday School, singing in the choir, as well as other ministries.

Lacy was a gifted musician, guitar player, and singer; a better than average golfer; a wonderful husband, father, and PawPaw. He truly cherished the many friends he made during his career, and especially the many friends he made at First Baptist Church and at the Husky Barber Shop.

Pallbearers will be David Wright, Gary Wright, Noah Wright and Lawrence Vandergrift.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested contributions be made to the First Baptist Church Trussville Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.