George Langdon Wright, Jr.

George Langdon Wright, Jr. was called home on Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at the age of 66 years. He was born at Kings Daughter’s Hospital of Gulfport, MS in 1943. He is preceded in death by his father George Langdon Wright, Sr. and mother Dorothy Mae Wright. He leaves behind his sole-mate, his wife and best friend, Paula Rae Wright of 41 years, his son Mark Langdon Wright and his wife Stephanie, daughter Michelle Elainne Watts and her husband Jay along with nine grandchildren, Mandi, Katherine, Sarynn, Nikkie, Chelsie, Jay-Jay, Jaecie, Kaylie, Kassie, and his brothers Sky Wright (wife Lynn), Charles Wright (wife JoAnn) and his nephews Joe and Michael and niece Jena. George served in the United States Air Force from 1964-1968 and was a Vietnam Veteran. After returning to Gulfport following his military service, he became one of the first five UPS drivers on the coast. In 1972 he became a Game Warden for the State of Mississippi with the Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks where he held the rank of Master Sergeant. He also held a Federal Commission and was a Deputy Sheriff for the Harrison County Sheriffs Department. In his 28 year career of Law Enforcement, he also was assigned to the Lyman State Fish Hatchery and later transferred to the Marine Enforcement Division where he retired. During his service as a Conservation Officer with the State of Mississippi, he received the Mississippi State Conservation Officer of the Year Award. He was a devoted Legionnaire of the American Legion Post 119 of Gulfport for 39 years where he received the Life Time Achievement Award, an Elk of Lodge 978 of Gulfport, a member of Voiture 251 (40 et 8) of Gulfport, a 32nd Degree Mason (Scottish Rite) and Shriner. He volunteered for many years as a Director and the Weighmaster for the MS Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo and the Long Beach Yacht Club’s Youth Fishing Rodeo as Weighmaster, along with many other fishing competitions all over the Gulf Coast. He taught Hunter Safety and Boat Safety classes throughout the coast to include schools and veteran organizations. Visitation will be held Friday, August 14, 2009 from noon until 2pm at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on 15th Street in Gulfport with an Elks Memorial service and American Legion service beginning at 1:40pm. Graveside service and interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30pm with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, George has requested memorial contributions be made to American Legion Post 119 at 12010 Klein Road, Gulfport, MS 39503. For God and Country!