Edward W. Wright, 87, went home to be with our Lord and Savior on August 20, 2026. A celebration of life will be held on September 2, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Kellum Baptist Church, with Pastor Jody Yopp officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary Elizabeth Wright; his loving wife of 66 years, Opal “Marie” Wright; his daughter, Carolyn Mendez Wright; and his sisters, Mary Ellen Buis, Carol Ann Griffey, and Diana Wright.

He is survived by his daughter, Ellen Mahler, and son-in-law, Carl Mahler; his two sons, Stephen Walker of Richlands and Michael Walker of Jacksonville; and two bonus daughters, Joanne E. Santiago and son-in-law Raul Santiago, and Cynthia Nix and son-in-law Joseph Nix, all of Jacksonville, NC. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Brittany Cordero, Carl R. Mahler III and wife Nyla Mahler, Jessica Sanchez, Fitzgerald Mendez, Christian Mendez, Stephanie Walker, Stephen Walker and wife Emily Walker, and Andrew Walker; five bonus grandchildren: Krystal Wells, Scott Alexander, Gabriel Santiago, Amber Santiago, and Victoria Santiago; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1939. One of his first jobs was at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he sold popcorn and discovered his love for fast cars. At the age of 17, Ed enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He worked on UH-34 helicopters and served his country faithfully for 25 years and 7 months, retiring as a Gunnery Sergeant in 1982. During his service, he completed two tours in Vietnam. While there, he had the memorable opportunity to meet John Wayne and give him a tour of Vietnam, and he also met Robert Mitchum and Ann-Margret.

Ed’s military commendations included the M-16 Rifle Expert Badge, .45 Pistol Expert Badge, Good Conduct Medals, 10th award, Air Medals, 10th award, Combat Aircrew Insignias, 4th award, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, 3rd award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Cross of Gallantry, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medals, 4th award, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

In the late 1950s, Ed met the love of his life in Portsmouth, Virginia, at a club where Marie approached him. From that moment on, he believed he was the luckiest man in the room. They were married in Elizabeth City, NC, in 1960. After Ed was stationed aboard New River Air Station at Camp Lejeune, they purchased their home in Jacksonville in 1961, where they built their family and spent their lives together. Ed and Marie opened their hearts and their home as foster parents, caring for more than 100 children during their lifetime together.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Ed continued his life of service as a federal employee aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point for 24 years. He worked in quality control for helicopter parts, including parts for the President’s helicopters, carrying the same dedication and pride into his civilian career that he had shown in uniform.

Once fully retired, Ed devoted the next chapter of his life to caring for Marie until her passing in 2007 and to enjoying time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a quiet and caring man whose love was often shown through steady actions more than words. He provided for his family, gave generously, and never hesitated to help someone in need. Whether he knew the person or not, Ed looked for ways to serve. In his humble way, he shaped the lives of countless people without ever seeking recognition.

Ed joined Kellum Baptist Church in 2008, where he served alongside other men of the church by building ramps and repairing things for those who needed help. He was also known for baking cakes for the church cake auctions. Many will remember that Ed was often the first person at church on Sunday mornings, waiting for the pastor to open the doors. He loved the Lord faithfully until his last breath.

Ed loved his Dodge trucks, once saving all his spare change so he could purchase one in cash. He enjoyed collecting coins, stamps, cookbooks, Coca-Cola memorabilia, hats, and die-cast cars. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing, and throughout his life he loved country music and the sound of steel guitars. He especially loved his German Shepherds—Bruno, Fritz, George, Fred, and Brock—but held a special place in his heart for Kaiya, his only female German Shepherd, who passed just a few months before him.

Dad, you will always be my hero. You were there when I took my first breath, and I was blessed to be there when you took your last. It was an honor and a privilege to care for you during the final months of your life. Thank you for being the best Dad, Paw Paw, and great-grandfather. I love you always.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home on September 1, 2026. Following the burial, a meal will be provided for family and friends at Kellum Baptist Church at 3:30 p.m.