Sammie Lee Wright

Lieutenant Colonel Sammie Lee Wright, Sr. (Retired) was born in Pittsview, Alabama on January 22, 1946 to Tony Wright and Susanna William Wright. He graduated from East Lake High School in Pahokee, Florida in 1965. In 1967, he graduated from Palm Beach Junior College with an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and then from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Transportation Management in 1975. He later completed his Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Management at Central Michigan University in 1978. Upon graduation from Palm Beach Junior College, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1968 and served as a Helicopter Mechanic at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Then, while stationed at Eglin AFB, he cross-trained and became an Administration Specialist. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, through Officer Training School in San Antonio, Texas in 1975. After commissioning, he attended the Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. Lieutenant Colonel Wright's military education included Air Command & Staff College, Squadron Officer School, ACC Senior Leaders Course, Aircraft Mishap Investigation Course, and Commanders Staff Office Course.

His first commissioned assignment was in 1976 after Maintenance School at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. Subsequent assignments included tours to the 316th Tactical Airlift Group, Yokota Air Base, Japan, the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida, and the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where he served as Chief of Maintenance for six geographically separated helicopter detachments. In December 1987, he was reassigned to the “Eagle Wing” at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware as OIC, Wing Quality Assurance. He later became Maintenance Supervisor of the largest squadron of the 21st Air Force, the 436th Field Maintenance Squadron, which was later re-designated the 436th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. Following this assignment, Lieutenant Colonel Wright assumed command of the 436th Component Repair Squadron at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. While Stationed at Dover, he became a member of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., John H Porter/First State Chapter, Dover, Delaware. Lieutenant Colonel Wright retired from the Air Force on February 29, 1996 at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana as an Aircraft Maintenance/Munitions Squadron Commander. Following his retirement, he worked in Project Management with Science Application International Corporation (SAIC). Upon leaving SAIC, he began a second career with the United States Government working as an Equipment Specialist (Aviation) with HQ Forces Command (FORSCOM) Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ft McPherson, Georgia, where he subsequently retired in 2008.

He was well-known to all who served beside him as a kind, caring, and compassionate leader. He considered it his duty to ensure that everyone under his command was treated equally, with dignity and respect, no matter his or her rank or commission.

After retirement, Lieutenant Colonel Wright spent most of his retirement in Huntsville, Alabama with his wife, Judy. In 2018, he and his wife moved to Niceville, Florida to be close to her family. Sam and Judy enjoyed traveling together and talking and visiting family and friends. Sam exemplified love and sacrifice when it came to each family relationship. His wife, Judy, returned the favor with her love and sacrifice in his final years. She and their son and family members were fortunate enough to be by his side when he passed.

After relocating to Florida, Sam attended Campton First Baptist Church until his health began to fail. His love for Christ was manifested through his daily interactions with others, dedication to the church, and love of family.

Sam loved his family and understood the importance of acquiring a higher education and he emphasized the importance to his son, nephews, and nieces. He loved reading and writing (he was an excellent writer), and he helped others to express their ideas with his writing skills. Plus, he was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching all the various sports on tv.

Lieutenant Colonel Wright was a career MAC Maintenance Officer and earned the Master Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance Badge. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (with one device), Air Force Commendation Medal (with two devices) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with valor devices), and Air Force Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service (with one device).

He is survived by his wife Judy Ann Wright, son Sammie Lee Wright, Jr., and two grandchildren, Jamaal and Eva Marie, brother George Wright of Lantana, Florida, uncle Elijah Williams of Fort Myers, Florida, brothers-in-law Larry Moore (Patricia), Rocky Moore (Edna), both of Pensacola Florida, Darrell Moore (Brenda) of Atlanta, Georgia, Bobby Moore of Laurel Hill, Florida, Richard Moore (Dorothy) of Crestview, Florida, and Ferrin Moore (Carole) of Manassas, Virginia, sisters-in-law Linda Walls of Niceville, Florida, Mary Matthews (John) of Laurel Hill, Florida, and Lizzie Ann Wright of Lake Worth, Florida, and a host of close nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends, as well as special sousin Gladys Drake, special childhood friend JD Wells and his wife Shirley, special friends Denver and Tina Betts, Ron and Lacarol Cleveland, Ron and Martha Hyatte, William and Irma Gardner, Freddie and Diane McSears, and Wilburn Lilly.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Susanna Wright, brother Thomas Wright, brothers-in-law Ervin Leroy Moore, Julius Robbins, Lonnie James Moore, Jr., and sisters-in-law Lulu Belle, Christine Moore, Deloris Robbins, and Icelene Moore, and nephew Stephen Zell Robbins.

Farewell and Godspeed, Lieutenant Colonel Wright. You made your notes in the symphony of life heard, left a lasting impact on the lives of many, and you will be deeply missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Sammie Lee Wright, Sr. to the Campton First Bapitst Church.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Lt Col (Ret) Sammie Lee Wright, Sr to Campton First Baptist Church , P.O. Box 865, Crestview, FL 32536, or 7125 Senterfitt Rd, Laurel Hill, FL 32567, or via . Zelle: Campton firstbc@gmail.com Phone: (850) 612-3712.

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