Ralph Franklin Wright Jr, affectionately known as Sonny, was born on July 11, 1938, in Augusta, Georgia to his Parents Hazel Aline Moody Wright and Ralph Franklin Wright. Ralph was the middle child of 5 and had four sisters: Maude, Barbara, Doris, and Lois.

Ralph went out on his own at 15, worked as a short order cook, and lived above the diner where he worked. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1955 when he was 17, serving for 27 years, ending his career as a submarine Torpedo Man Chief on the USS Proteus.  While in the Navy he traveled to many other countries, met the love of his wife (who just happened to be serving in the US Army) Karen Sue Haynes, and they married on November 28, 1959. They continued to travel for the next 23 years to Charleston, South Carolina; Hamilton, Bermuda; Vallejo, California; the Island of Guam; Honolulu, Hawaii; back to the Island of Guam; and then retired from his military career while living in Los Alamitos, California.  During that time, their family grew by seven children: Darryl, Derek, Judith, Daniel, David, Dwayne and Darren. They then headed back to Ralph’s hometown of Augusta, Georgia where they remained until their twilight years when they decided they needed one more adventure and they moved to Melbourne, Florida. 

Ralph kept busy throughout his life working two jobs while serving in the Navy to provide for his family and faithfully serving in many areas of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which his family joined in June of 1966. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ and although a little rough around the edges sometimes, he was really a tender-hearted southern gentleman who enjoyed life, a staunch patriot, entertained by old westerns (John Wayne was his favorite), listened to classic country music, took pleasure walking on the beach, laughed often, delighted in time with his family and loved them most of all.

He passed away peacefully in his sleep, on September 1, 2024, at the age of 86. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Karen, seven children; Darryl (Carito) of Melbourne, FL; Derek (Kristen) of Clovis, CA; Judith of San Diego, CA; Daniel (Julie) of Melbourne, FL; David (Jennifer) of Fresno, CA; Dwayne (Stephanie) of Pawleys Island, SC; and Darren (Nai) of Beaver Creek, OH; and his greatest blessings 22 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Although, he is gone from our presence, he will forever be in our hearts. 

Burial with Military Honors to be scheduled in the future.  Condolences may be sent to the family through Ammen Family Cremation & Funeral Care 1001 Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL 32901.