A Soldier's Story

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. -- II Timothy 4: 7-8 (KJV)

Felton Leon Wright, Sr. was born on Thursday, May 3, 1956, in Jasper, Florida to the late Willie James Wright and Odessa Lavern Johnson Wright. He was the eldest son of a family of five children.

Felton lived in St. Petersburg, Florida during the early years of his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and attended the Church of God in Christ with his mother.  In 2005, he rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized at the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee. In 1970, the family relocated to Jasper and Felton completed his education as a member of the class of 1974 from Hamilton County High School where he was a student-athlete.

While in high school he met and subsequently married, Miss Maple Trotman. Their union was blessed by the births of four children.

Upon graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army, being honorably discharged in 1977.  After his military service, he was employed by Occidental Petroleum, and then he returned to Saint Petersburg where he resided for over 35 years. While in South Florida during his career, Felton worked for the Veterans Administration. He always enjoyed spending special time with family and friends, while sharing his love and laughter.   Felton had a quiet but determined spirit and he loved the Lord, his family, and people everywhere. He touched so many during his lifetime.

On Monday, December 13, 2021, God called Felton Leon Wright home to eternal rest at the Seasons Hospice, Largo, Florida. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Odessa L. Johnson Wright, his father, Willie James Wright; his brother, Willie Edward Wright; his maternal grandparents, Jim and Anner Lee Johnson and paternal grandparents, J. C. and Bessie Wright and many aunts and uncles.

Those left to celebrate his life legacy and cherish his love are:  his children, Brigette Wright Stalling and husband Greg, Felton L. Wright, Jr. and wife Shiketa, Tonya Wright Carn and husband Myron, Jennifer Wright Jackson and husband Cory; his ten grandchildren, Demond Stalling, Devin Stalling, Deshon Stalling, Bryaunna Wright, Felton Wright, III, Alannah Carn, Xavier Carn, Jabari Jackson, Jendaya Jackson and Josiah Jackson; his sisters, Joyce Carolyn Johnson and Sherry W. Mitchell and Vivian E. Wright; six nieces and nephews: Kevin Johnson-Mack, Marvin Boatman, Sr., Cheryl W. Lawrence, Shannon Britt, Odessa Andrea Wright, and Jayme Williams; aunts, Josephine Driver and husband Arthur and Mattie Pearl Johnson; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.