Bobby Jean Wright

His Story

Master Sergeant Bobby Jean Wright, U.S. Army (Ret.)

May 6, 1947 – August 4, 2026

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

Bobby Jean Wright, affectionately known as “BJ,” was born on May 6, 1947, to the late Washington Daniel Wright, Sr. and Emma Lee Hines Wright of Ludowici, Georgia. He was educated in the Ludowici Public School System. At an early age, Bobby accepted Christ and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church. 

Bobby began his professional career as a Forest Ranger for the Long County District before answering the call to serve his country. 

A Life of Faith

Bobby’s life was firmly rooted in his faith. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church, first joining under the leadership of the late Pastor Henry T. Rhim, when the church was located on Dewdrop Street.

He faithfully served St. Joseph as an active member of the Brotherhood Fellowship and was appointed to the Health Ministry. On May 18, 2025, Bobby accepted the appointment to serve as a Deacon of St. Joseph Missionary Baptist Church.

Bobby’s faith extended beyond the walls of the church and was lived daily within his home. His household served the Lord, actively engaging in weekly Bible studies and sharing daily words of faith and encouragement with family and friends. Through prayer, Scripture, and encouragement, he made faith an integral part of his family life.

From his early baptism at Macedonia Baptist Church in Ludowici, Georgia, to his service as a Deacon at St. Joseph, Bobby’s Christian faith remained an enduring foundation throughout his life.

A Life of Military Service

Bobby embarked upon a distinguished 37-year military career with the United States Army and Army National Guard, ultimately attaining the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8). His preliminary biography records his Army and Army National Guard service as spanning 37 years. 

His military career included service in medical and supply specialties, with assignments and responsibilities that reflected his leadership and dedication to supporting his fellow service members. Upon completion of his military career, Bobby retired honorably as a Master Sergeant. His retirement documentation provides a record of his military service and decorations. 

Throughout his military career, Master Sergeant Wright received numerous decorations and honors in recognition of his distinguished service and dedication to country. Among his many military awards were the Army Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

A Career of Service

Bobby’s civilian career included employment with UF Health Shands Hospital (formerly University Hospital) and the City of Jacksonville Parking Facilities.

Bobby served with the City of Jacksonville Parking Facilities from 2000 to 2018, returning in December 2025, where he remained employed until his passing.

Throughout his life, Bobby possessed what his family lovingly describes as a “Servant Heart”—always wanting to make life a little better than he found it. 

A Lion at Heart

Bobby joined Lions Clubs International in 2002 and devoted more than two decades to its mission of service.

He served his local club, Jacksonville Riverside/Argyle Westside Lions Club, in numerous leadership capacities, including Club President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director, Membership Chairperson, and Club Administrator. His service extended throughout District 35-L and Multiple District 35. In addition to many awards, which include the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award,  his Lions leadership record documents extensive service at the club, district, and multiple-district levels. 

Among the most distinguished chapters of his Lions journey was his service as District Governor of District 35-L from 2018–2019 and again from 2021–2022.

Bobby also served as Zone Chairperson, Vice Council Chairperson, Multiple District GMT Coordinator, Guiding Lion, and District and Multiple District 35 Disaster Relief Chair.

His commitment to vision preservation was demonstrated through his service as Immediate Past President of Lions Saving Sight and as a Board Member of Beauty of Sight, organizations supporting the preservation of sight.

Through more than two decades of Lionism, Bobby built lasting friendships and touched lives throughout his club, district, multiple district, and beyond. For Bobby, “We Serve” was more than the Lions motto—it was a way of life.

The Man We Knew

Behind the uniform, leadership positions, and accomplishments was the Bobby his family and friends knew and loved.

Bobby’s playful personality showed itself early in life. His sister Birdie remembers that as a boy, he could be a little mischievous—especially around food. He had a habit of sneaking food from the plate of whoever sat beside him. Birdie recalls once wondering how she had eaten her meat so quickly, only to look over and discover that it had somehow found its way onto Bobby’s plate!

That sense of humor stayed with him throughout his life. He was known to answer the telephone as though he were taking an order at a fast-food restaurant, catching unsuspecting callers off guard and giving his family another reason to laugh.

As a father, Bobby was a good listener, sound advisor, and dependable source of encouragement who was always willing to help. His family remembers that he gave the best hugs and affectionately describes him as the “best blanket giver,” always making sure those he loved were comfortable and cared for. Family members also looked forward to the cards he gave, another simple way Bobby made those he loved feel remembered and special.

His children remember the simple family experiences that became lasting memories. Tia fondly recalls Bobby taking them to national parks when they were young—a memory that carries even greater meaning knowing that he began his career as a Forest Ranger.

The Wright household also had its rules: everyone knew not to call after 9:00 p.m. That family tradition made such an impression that Tia still considers 9:00 p.m. her cutoff today. And according to Becky, Bobby made the “best banana pudding ever!”

BJ was once an avid bowler, competing in tournaments around the country. An accomplished bowler, he rolled a 700 series and, on several occasions, achieved a perfect 300 game. In the early 1990s, he was also one of the founding members of a family bowling league. What began as an opportunity for family fellowship grew to include community service and assistance to those in need.

BJ treasured time with his grandchildren and took pride in teaching them practical life skills, including lawn care and home maintenance. More importantly, he imparted wisdom about responsibility, integrity, and character, encouraging them to become responsible young men and women and to present themselves respectfully. Through his words and example, he sought to prepare them not only to care for a home, but to navigate life with dignity and purpose.

These personal memories reveal the man behind the many accomplishments: a loving father and grandfather, mentor, teacher, helper, and friend whose care for others was evident in both the important moments and the everyday ones.

His Legacy

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Washington D. Wright and Emma L. Wright; sisters, Odessa Mathes, Earnestine Murrell, Doris Roberson, Lois Tenchavez, Irvine Middleton, and Alice F. Wright; and brothers, Carlton Hines, Eddie H. Wright, and Washington D. “Billy Jack” Wright, and Ella Mae Williams Volcy. 

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his children, Jean Antoinette Lovely; Travis Wright (Destiny); Terra Carroll (Dwayne); Takaya Jones; Tia’ Reed (Jerome); and Albert Jones, Jr.; grandchildren, Savaughn D. Wright, Sarah J. Lovely, Jeremiah S. Lovely, Todd Cleveland, Jr., Noah Akanni, and Jacob Reed; his sister, Birdie F. Harris; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, fellow Lions, friends, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Though Bobby’s earthly journey has come to an end, the laughter he shared and the love he poured into others will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him. 

His was a life of faith, family, leadership, patriotism, and service. From serving his country as Master Sergeant Bobby Jean Wright, to leading Lions as District Governor Bobby J. Wright, to simply being BJ to those who loved him most, his legacy will be measured not merely by the positions he held or the honors he received, but by the people he served, the lives he touched, and the difference he made.

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