Leonard Wright, Jr.

Leonard “Len” Wright, Jr., 84, of Athens, GA, entered Heaven’s gates on December 19, 2022.

Originally from Waynesboro, Tennessee, Len was a resident of Athens for over 50 years.

Born on August 12, 1938, in Waynesboro, Tennessee, Len was the son of the late Leonard and Ola Mae Wright.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty “Bete” Katherine Ransom Wright, who passed away on December 1, 2022.  Len was also preceded in death by his siblings:  Ludia Mae Wright Hawyer, Grady Lee Wright, and Mary Marguerita Wright Bunch, all of Tennessee.  Nephew Robert “Bob” Ayers and niece Barbara Swafford, both from Tennessee, also preceded Len in death.

After graduating high school in 1956, Len joined the Navy where he served for four years.  He then attended college in Memphis, Tennessee where he earned his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice.  While attending college, he worked as a policeman for the Memphis Police Department.

Upon graduating from college, Len accepted a teaching position with the University of Georgia where he taught for 10 years.  He was the owner of CASA Security for many years.  He taught criminal justice classes at Athens Technical College and Piedmont College and served as a counselor at the Georgia Juvenile Diversion Center in Athens until his retirement.

Survivors include: Step-children: daughter, Dona Yanke (Robert) of Leawood, KS; son, Timothy (Lorri) Moore of Statham, GA; and daughter, Randi Gilbert of Athens. GA; Step-Grandchildren:  Patrick Cobb (Andrea) of Lees Summit, MO; Zeb Gilbert (Selina) of Danielsville, GA; Logan Cobb of Denver, CO; Chip Moore (Nicole) of Statham, GA; Shawn Moore of Berlin, Germany; Alex Moore (Lauren) of Athens; and Katherine “Katie” Yanke of Leawood, KS; Step-Great Grandchildren:  Darby Cobb, Charlotte Gilbert, Hunter Cobb, Pace Moore, Zeb Gilbert, Jr., and Wally Moore; Nieces and Nephew from Tennessee: Jana Weber, Janet Hallowell, Sherry Byrd, Teresa Marshall, Terry Wright, and Tammy Springer (Alabama)

Len loved spending time with his family and always had a joke to share. He was active in his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and loved being involved with the missionaries and often offered rides to those who couldn’t drive to church.

A special, heartfelt thank you to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the countless hours of sitting with Len during his time of need.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023  at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 1080 Julian Drive; Watkinsville, GA  30677 at 10:30. Following the memorial service burial will take place immediately after at Oconee Memorial Park (2370 Hog Mountain Road; Watkinsville, GA)

A luncheon will be served at the church after interment for family and friends.