Mr. Lewis “Lou” James Wright, 91, of Atlantic, passed away on Nov. 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on Oct. 10, 1934, in Elkton, he was the son of Ashby Lee Wright and Alma Burkett Wright.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Ricky Wright and his wife, Linda, of Wallops Island, Brenda Wright, of Raleigh, N.C., Chris Wright and his wife, Tracy, of Wallops Island, and Eric Wright and his wife, Amy, of Virginia Beach. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Kellie [Wright] Collins (Chris), Logan Wright (Mallory), Lauren [McCready] McCormack (Ian), Jessica [McCready] Wainwright (Brooks), Collin Wright, Casey Wright, Taylor Wright, and Mason Wright; his great-grandchildren: Sawyer McCormick, Finley McCormick, Palmer Wright, and Leon Wright; and, of course, his faithful dog, Squirt, who was always by his side.
He was preceded in death by Harriette Mae Wright (mother of all five children) and his second wife, Carol. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Teresa Wright McCready (David).
After graduating from Elkton High School, Lewis joined the U.S. Navy and reserves, which brought him to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Stationed at Wallops Island, he found the place he would proudly call home as he built a life and raised his family.
On March 15, 1957, Lewis and a group of many others established the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Company. Lewis was the last chapter member of these men to pass away.
Following his naval service, Lewis and his father-in-law, Richard L. Kelly, established the first large-scale commercial shellfish hatchery at Watts Bay Landing. While managing the sea clam plant, Lewis noticed his employees often missed lunch, inspiring him and his wife, Harriette, to begin preparing meals for them. This led to his 45-year career in the restaurant industry with Wright’s Seafood Restaurant — an Eastern Shore staple — where he met countless customers, employees, and friends who became like family.
After retiring in 2016, Lewis embraced the quieter joys of life: tending to his bees, mowing grass, sitting outside with a view of his restaurant, and spending unhurried hours with his coffee club and family. These simple moments brought him great joy.
A service to celebrate Lewis’ life was held at Atlantic Methodist Church on Monday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 207, Atlantic, VA 23303.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
