Thomas Henry Lealond Wright

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Henry Lealond Wright, son of the late Dennis Leland Wright and Mazie Inez Guilliams Wright.  He was called home on September 25, 2025 at the age of 87.  He passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Earl Wright and Carl Edward Wright; and one sister, Mary Magdalene Wright Hodges.

Thomas was married for almost 68 years to the love of his life, Thelma, who passed away on June 1, 2025.

Born on May 5, 1938, Thomas was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Surviving are his five children, Rita Wright Scott (Howard), Dianne Wright Brown (David McNeil), Barry Lealond Wright (Suzi), Bonnie Wright Davis (Steve) and Susan Gail Wright; grandchildren, Christopher Scott (Crystal), Ethan Brown (Megan), Mason Wright  (Alison), Sage Wright Haskins (Ned), Baruch Wright, Levi Wright (Nevaeh) and Selah Wright Tuck (Jase); great-grandchildren, Bryce Scott, Beckett Scott, Bentley Brown, Marley Brown, Clara Wright, Felix Wright, Jayden Tuck and Emorie Mae Wright; brother, David Wright (Brenda); sisters, Sylvia Young, Judy Creasy, Jean Love, Ruby Harris (Tim), Betty Ayers (Samuel) and Darlene Blankenship (Harry); many nieces and nephews.

At the young age of 16, he left home to build his own tiny house, which still stands on his property today. Known as a meticulous and analytical person, he could build or repair almost anything. When his children were young, they recall him frequently taking watches apart at the kitchen table and putting them back together so watches would keep perfect time. He was a plumber or electrician whenever the need arose and was often a mechanic to keep the family car rolling. His ability to repair the family television would ensure the children never missed their favorite TV shows. He could take an old junkyard bicycle and bring it back to life or simply cut a corn stalk and add pine resin to create a tiny fiddle so the kids would have a toy to play with on warm summer days. His natural affinity for understanding how things worked and how to fix them kept his family happy and his home in excellent operating condition. He was a great provider, while instilling in his children, a strong work ethic.

Thomas loved good food and especially enjoyed his buttermilk and cornbread. There are many fond memories of blackberry picking and his teaching the kids how to pick wild creasy salad in nearby fields. He worked hard in his gardens; plowing, planting and harvesting delicious vegetables, strawberries and Damson plums. He took great pride in maintaining his yard and home. Summer hiking trips to the old homeplace and picnics on the Blue Ridge Parkway were some of his favorite things to do with family.

With deep gratitude, the family would like to thank Thomas’s caregivers, Carolyn Mattox and Doris Davis. Your love and support helping Thomas will always be remembered and cherished. Thank you!

Funeral services will be held at Flora Funeral Chapel on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. William Shively officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Clearview Cemetery. His family will receive friends and family from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.