MSGT Cleveland M. Wright

Retired MSGT Cleveland M. Wright, 85 of Wilmington, NC left this earth to join The Celestial Lodge and Great Architect of the Universe on November 10th, 2018. Brethern Cleve was a US Army Veteran of Korea and Vietnam. He became a Master warrior for God and described best as a gentle, kind, loving and influential laborer, with greatest of these being love.

Cleve was born January 11th, 1933 in his beloved Tabor City, NC, son of the late Elbert C. Wright and Mary A. Wright.

Retired MSGT Cleveland M. Wright (Cleve or Sonny) served in the United States Army on active duty for 24 years. During his military tenure he participated in two tours in Germany, two tours of the Korean War and two in Vietnam. Among his decorations include Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star & Purple Heart. Assignments in the US included Atlanta GA, Fort Benning, GA and ROTC instructor at Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, TN. Cleve “Coach Wright” led his Tech rifle team to be NRA National & International Collegiate Champs. Upon his retirement in September, 1973 he instructed ROTC as a Wildcat at New Hanover High School until his second retirement in 1985.

Cleve is survived by his beautiful, ever loving bride of 62 years, Mrs. Dorothy Adams Wright. 2 sons Elbert O’Neal Wright (Jill) of Wilmington, NC, Edward Clayton Wright (Donna) of Willard, NC, his sweet 'Rose Mary’ Rose Wright Potter (Patrick) of Wilmington, NC. 4 Grandchildren: Alisha Wright Rivenbark (Jamie), Clayton Maloy Wright (Julia), Elizabeth McKenna Wright (Daniel) and Daniel Wright Potter. 5 Great Grandchildren: Karaline Styron, Katherine Styron, Kinsley Wright, Jamey Lynn Rivenbark and Maxton Maloy Wright.

In retirement Cleve enjoyed fishing, family and more fishing. Cleve was a humble and simple man with a legacy of silently picking up others whos hope had faded thus leaving behind a trail of kindness. His greatest love of all for his beloved bride Dorothy. His days labor is done and tour of duty on this earth has come to an end.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 15th from 6-8pm and Funeral Friday, November 16th at 2pm at Coble Ward-Smith at 3915 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC. Graveside services will immediately follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park on 1311 Shipyard Blvd in Wilmington. The family would like to invite all back to Coble Ward-Smith at 4pm on Friday the 16th to enjoy a catered meal and celebrate the life of our Hero, Msgt. Cleveland M. Wright.