Brian R. Wright

WRIGHT, DR. BRIAN RICHARD, 79, of Mechanicville VA, passed away on June 23, 2026, after a long and valiant struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Brian was the elder son of Henry Floyd Wright and Emily Jenness Wright (later Oakley), both of whom predeceased him.  Brian is survived by his wife of 27 years Deborah Wright, his sons Gregg Wright and Charles (Chip) Wright (Allison) of Wake County NC, a stepdaughter Jennifer Molnar (Josh) of Goochland VA, a grandson Jacob Wright of Raleigh NC, and three step-grandsons.  Brian is also survived by his brother Bruce Wright (Brenda) of Henrico VA, two stepbrothers Carey Oakley (Connie) and Murray Oakley Jr., both of Henrico VA, a nephew James Wright of Richmond VA, and several cousins. Brian was predeceased by a stepdaughter Julia Baylor of Mechanicsville VA, and a stepsister Wendy Redford of Henrico VA.   

Brian grew up in Richmond and attended Robert Fulton Elementary, Chandler Junior High, and John Marshall High.  At John Marshall, Brian was in the Corp of Cadets Band and graduated as an officer. He distinguished himself as a brass instrumentalist and was proficient with the trumpet, French horn, tuba and Sousaphone. 

Brian served as an officer in the U.S. Army for four years and later attended VCU and the Illinois School of Podiatry.  Brian then returned to Richmond to begin his professional career. He opened a practice in eastern Henrico and served his patients there for over 30 years. Brian served as president of the Richmond Academy of Podiatrists and the Virginia Podiatric Medicine Association.  During his tenure, Brian championed improvements in surgery privileges for podiatrists in hospitals throughout Virginia.  Brian also served two terms on the New Kent County Board of Supervisors and was twice a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates. In addition to his professional and civic accomplishments, Brian was known for his friendly spirit, lively wit, and mischievous nature. He also enjoyed playing poker on a regular basis.  Brian was a long-standing member of Calvary United Methodist Church. In recent years, he and his wife Deborah joined Shalom Baptist Church in Mechanicsville. In 2015, Brian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Brian will be remembered for his love of family and friends and for his kind and unwavering care for those patients whom he served.  In lieu of flowers, Brian would be honored by your donations to either the Parkinson’s Foundation at 200 SE 1^st Street, Suite 800, Miami FL  33131, or Shalom Baptist Church (address below). 

A memorial service for Brian will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Shalom Baptist Church, 8116 Walnut Grove Road in Mechanicville VA 23111.