Heavy Hearts at Lorenzen Wright's Memorial

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Hearts and heads continued to hang low for former Memphis Grizzlies and Tiger Lorenzen Wright. Wright was laid to rest, following a public memorial at the FedExForum Wednesday afternoon.

Those who spoke at the service said it was a precious life taken too soon.

Songs of comfort and the joy of eternal life resounded inside the FedExForum. Local political dignitaries and top athletes spoke highly of the man, known to his family as "Gunya."

But their kind words weren't enough to ease their pain.

"We're sticking to each other as a family. We kind of stay away from watching the news, because you kind of re-living that moment," said Lou Wright, Lorenzen Wright's brother.

That moment happened a week ago Wednesday, when Wright's body was found in a wooded area in Southeast Shelby County with multiple gun shot wounds. Now his family tries to overshadow their tragedy with warm memories of the past and present.

"When he was growing up, and he used to go out in the backyard and run, and after four or five steps, he ended up on his behind. He done fell. He was clumsy and from that he became a great athlete," said Wright's father Herb Wright.

He was a great athlete whose fame came during his years at Booker T. Washington High School and the University of Memphis.

He later became a seventh round draft pick, for the Los Angeles Clippers and spent 13 seasons in the NBA, playing for the Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Sacramento Kings.

But it was his legacy off the court that made him a hometown hero.

"He was a family man, he loved his parents, loved his children. He did everything he could do to help the city of Memphis," said Joseph Kyles, Wright's fraternity brother.

"He would give you the shirt off his back. He was really in my mind a special person. Very special," said Elliot Perry.

And a rough climb these on-going days will be as the world learns to live without a man, with a big heart and a smile to match.

"I lovec him, as a brother. I don't think we do that enough. I mean I know we all care about each other. We follow each other's careers, and supported each other's careers and supported each other's families. I don't think we use that word enough, or use those words enough. And I would definitely tell him I love him," said Penny Hardaway.

Police are still searching for Wright's killer. If you know anything that can help lead to an arrest, you're urged to call crime stoppers at 528-CASH. You could be eligible for a cash reward.