Donnie Wright Obituary

Donnie Kay Wright, 79, of New Port Richey, Florida died on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Hernando-Pasco Hospice House in New Port Richey, Florida.
Born on Friday, December 7, 1945, he was the only child of the late Houston and Leah Butler Wright. Donnie often joked that being an only child meant his name was the first (and only) one called when chores were handed out-a memory he shared with fondness and a signature sense of humor.
A proud graduate of Newbern High School, Donnie carried his Dyer County roots with him wherever he went. He remained close to his hometown friends throughout his life and rarely missed a class reunion, always treasuring the deep bonds and lifelong friendships formed during those early years.
On September 1, 1964, Donnie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served his country with honor and was always proud of his time in uniform. After completing his service, he returned to Dyer County and began his college career at the University of Tennessee at Martin, later transferring to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where he earned his degree.
Donnie never met a stranger. His kindness, generous spirit, and easy laughter left lasting impressions on everyone he met. On January 1, 1990, he met the love of his life, Sara Brawner. They were married on June 7, 2013, beginning a lifelong adventure filled with love, laughter, and travel. Despite busy work schedules, they made time to explore the United States together-but never let those travels interfere with watching UT football on the weekends.
After being laid off from Tuscarora Plastics in 1993, Donnie saw opportunity instead of setback. He launched his own business, continuing to sell molded packaging products and paint-showcasing his work ethic, independence, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Donnie always dreamed of retiring to Florida, and in 2002, when Sara was transferred to the Tampa Bay area, that dream became a reality. As he said with a grin, "It's not Fort Lauderdale, but it's closer than Nashville."
Following retirement, Donnie and Sara embraced life to the fullest. Donnie traveled extensively, visiting 54 countries, and Sara joined him on many of his adventures, creating unforgettable memories together. While they marveled at the sights, Donnie often said it was the people they met along the way who made their journeys truly meaningful.
Donnie will be remembered for his warmth, his loyalty, his love of country and community, and his deep devotion to family and friends. His was a life well-lived, full of purpose, laughter, and love.
Funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating the service will be Mr. Billy Beagle. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery-Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Walton Wright of New Port Richey, Florida and one son, Jeffrey Brent Himes (Joni) of Richland, Mississippi.
The family ask that memorial contributions be directed to The Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box # 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or the RoEllen Church of Christ, 5865 Highway 104 East, Dyersburg, Tennessee 38024.
Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Donnie Kay Wright.
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