Lonnie Buford Wright, age 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the early morning hours of January 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He lived a life rooted in unwavering faith in God, a deep love for family, and a heartfelt dedication to his country. He faithfully served his country as a Marine from 1959-1963. He earned a degree in Business Management from the University of West Florida and later retired from the State of Florida in 1999, after 26 years of service as a probation officer/supervisor. He was named Regional Probation Officer of the Year for the Department of Corrections in July 1992. Bro. Lonnie surrendered to ministry in 1977. He faithfully served as a bivocational pastor at multiple churches in the local area. He had a passion for building projects and the Lord used this love to grow multiple churches throughout the area. Lonnie met the love of his life, Joan Anderson, in Jackson County and they married on November 25, 1961. She faithfully served the Lord alongside him throughout his years of ministry.

They have four children Pam, Vivian, Buddy, and Kim and a quiver full of grandchildren. Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents G.W. and Cassie Wright, brother William (Nig) Wright, sister Caroline Foran, and great-grandson Tanner Jones. Lonnie is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan Wright. Children Pam Beck (Dennis), Vivian Clark (Billy), Buddy Wright (Samie), Kim Jones (Chuck), and honorary daughter Mary Ellen Bailey. Grandchildren Jessica Daniel (Jonathan), Dusty Beck, Cody Clark (Jillian), Kyler Clark, Houston Wright (Malisa), Trent Jones (Caitlin), Marc Jones, Terra Free (Jeremy), Brianna Wright (Alec), Lyndsey Wright (Colten). Great Grandchildren Tyler Carroll (Nyssa), Kenadee Carroll (Corey), Brystol Free, Georgia, Gracelyn, Josiah, Jordan, and Jake Daniel, Sera Beck, Parker Jones, and Theodore Wright. Great-great grandchildren Anderson, Tuff, and JB Carroll. He is also survived by brothers Ernie (Buck) Wright, Tonnie Wright (Phyllis), Ronnie Wright (Sarah), Donnie Wright, sisters Sue Baker (Jim), Linda Land (Johnny), Wanda Zorn, Jacqueline Shows (Johnny), Dale Burnett (Wayne), and brother-in-law Robert Anderson (Mary). A host of nieces and nephews also survive. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. James Howell, Robert Knox PA-C, and Mary Sutton of Doctors Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness throughout this difficult time.

In lieu flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideons International  at

https://www.gideons.org/  or the First Baptist Church's Pregnancy Support Center.

Receiving of friends is from 10:00 -11:00 AM, Saturday, January 25, 2025  at First Baptist Church ; 216 Live Oak Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 25, 2025 at First Baptist Church, with Reverends Tim Burnham and Joel Glenn officiating.