Larry "Champ" Wright

Larry Anthony “Champ” Wright, 60, local businessman and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, October 22, 2018 in Norman, OK, surrounded by his family. He was born June 20, 1958 in Tulsa, OK, the son of Coy Orville Wright and Louella Fern (Hawkins) Wright. Larry grew up in Oklahoma City, graduating from John Marshall High School in 1976, however, his family moved to Cleveland, OH for two years during Larry’s sophomore and junior years, preventing him from pursuing the cutest and most vivacious freshman girl he had ever met. In December of his senior year, Larry and his family returned to Oklahoma City, where he was able to pursue that girl, Lori Kaye Dye, the love of his life. They married on July 15, 1977 after a 17-month courtship, and this past summer they celebrated their 41st anniversary.

Upon high school graduation Larry joined the family grocery business, initially as produce manager, then as store manager, and ultimately as CEO when his father’s health failed. Due to a changing economy and his own health issues, he closed the last Wright’s Grocery Store on Porter Avenue in 2017. He and Lori quickly expanded their floral business, also on Porter Avenue, now called The Flower Shop. Larry continued to make deliveries, but this time it was flowers, not groceries, that he delivered.

Larry was a kind man who had a passion for others, especially those who benefited from the Cleveland County Christmas Store. Each year, he worked tirelessly to stock their pantries, never concerned with praise or compensation, only about feeding the hungry. The Norman Community Christmas Dinner and St. Joseph Catholic Church’s Thanksgiving Dinner were also beneficiaries of Larry’s generosity. He aided their representative early each Christmas morning by meeting them at his store in order to provide them with food.

Larry also became aware of another need. Due to age and health issues, some of his long-time customers could no longer drive to his grocery store. He began delivering groceries to them, always with a smile and words of encouragement and cheer.

Larry had many personal accomplishments. He was a state wrestling champion during his freshman year in high school and an avid golfer (hence the name CHAMP). He loved to water ski, to snow ski, to go to the beach, and to pamper his wife, children, and grandchildren. As an adult he returned to college, completing a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. For many years Larry attended First Baptist Church. There he taught Sunday School for middle school children, for whom he loved hosting parties, Disciple Now, and also university groups as his children grew older. He most recently was a member of Antioch Community Church.

Larry was a man who loved and was totally committed to his Lord, his family, his friends, and those in need. He enjoyed any activity involving his children and his grandchildren, whether at school, at church, on field trips, sports, cheerleading, dance, band concerts, Watch DOGS, playing in his and Lori’s backyard, or at the beach. Larry was the ultimate son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

As his health worsened, Larry refused offers from family and friends to be organ donors, fearing potential health issues for them. After 14 months Larry was blessed by the generosity of two donors, who had checked the “organ donor” box on their drivers’ licenses or upon entering a medical facility. While Larry’s second transplant was successful, other health issues intervened.

Larry was preceded in death by: twin brother Gary Dean Wright at age 2; mother Lou; father Coy; father-in-law, golfing buddy, and friend, Bob Dye; and brother-in-law Rick Alexander. He is survived by: wife Lori; daughter Sarah Beth Hartsock and her husband Brian (also a golfing buddy), and their children: Port Robert, Haynes Cole, Ella Rose, Halle Beth, and Tate Henry; son Joshua Adam Wright and his wife Jenny, and their children: Josie Lou and Jack McCoy; sister Diana Wilson and her husband Tom; sister Peggy Alexander; mother-in-law Diane Dye; brother-in-law Todd Dye (another golfing buddy) and his wife Robin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and loving friends; too many to list, but you know who you are!

Larry’s children, grandchildren, and many who knew him called him CHAMP, and he truly was a champion of a life well- lived!

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor and memory of Larry to The Christmas Store (PO Box 256, Norman, OK 73070).

Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, October 25, 2018 from 6:30–7:30 pm at Brookhaven Park (1801 Brookhaven Blvd).

Services to celebrate Larry’s life are to be held on Friday, October 26, 2018 at 10:00 am at Antioch Community Church (1330 E. Lindsey St, Norman).

Please share condolences and memories of Larry on his tribute wall so they may be included in a special book for his family.