Samuel Allen Wright

Samuel Allen Wright (aka Sam, Sammy), 61, passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 2024 in Winter Haven, Florida. He was born on August 27, 1962 in New Castle, Indiana.  He was the son of the late Bobby Wright and late Wanda Wright.

Sam attended New Castle Chrysler High School, Class of 1980. In 1981, Sam made his first move to Florida, the place he would call home for most of his adult life. He loved to share the story of how he and his best friend bought a car for $100 and drove it to Florida without a care in the world. He would tell you they worked hard and played hard. He would come back to Indiana for a short time, but would soon return to live the rest of his life in the state he loved.  Sam often said, “I was born in the wrong state.” He loved the sun, sand, surf, and everything Florida had to offer.

Sam retired from Walt Disney World, Orlando Florida in 2020. He was a skilled communications technician holding many certifications and specialties in his field.  Sam was dedicated to his career and took pride in his work.  Many family and friends have special memories of Sam giving them tickets to enjoy the Disney parks. He loved spreading the joy of Disney to his loved ones and his generosity was greatly appreciated.

Sam will be remembered as smart, curious, kind, hard-working and hospitable. He was a creative problem solver, always fixing or building something. Most notable was when he built and modified parts of his home to help his beloved dog, Dixie, move about in their home as she aged. Sam had many interests and hobbies, including collecting guns, boating, gardening, raising chickens, American history, reading and always learning. Most of all, Sam thoroughly enjoyed spending time, talking and reminiscing with family and friends.  He was the best son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend and will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish Sam’s memory are his sisters who loved him dearly, Miranda Wright and Virginia Wright; niece, Erica Blevins (Scott); nephew, Wesley Chamberlin (Patricia); aunt, Virginia Mills;  Aunt, Carol Ann (Phil) Werking; step-mother, Brenda Wright; and step-sister, Heather Brown; great-nieces Maren, Landree, and Leighton. Sam loved his cousins and his cousins loved him. Sammy’s special cousins include, Kevin & Jackie; Sherrie & Gary; Jackie & Leslie; Mark, Mike & Freddy; and Bruce, Brent, Brian, Lynn & Marla. He loved you all!

In addition to his family, Sam had a special group of friends, some from childhood, who he shared a mutual love and respect. Those friends include: Jeff Melton, Jon Kuczynski, Kevin Stone, Brian & Sheila Wright, Dara & Mark Shirey, Danny & Joyce Robinson. Sam also had many dear friends in Florida. The family would like to give a special thanks to Tom Nichols who was not only a friend to Sam, but has been a friend and support to the family during this past month.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Wanda Wright.

A celebration of Sam’s life will be held on June 1, 2024 at Robinson Farms, 6006 East US Highway 40, Straughn, Indiana from 2-5. Services will start at 2:00 and fellowship with family and friends will follow. We invite everyone to dress casually and consider wearing tropical/hawaiian attire, Sam’s favorite.