Julian Wright Clarkson, Jr. was born in Richmond, VA, on July 11, 1951, to Julian Clarkson, Sr. and Lauriston Hardin Clarkson. He passed away in Charlotte, NC, on June 15, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Eileen Corley (the love of his life); and daughter, Cara Lynn Clarkson of Atlanta, GA. If Eileen was the love of his life, Cara Lynn was the light. Also surviving are his sister, Ginny Woodruff (Ron) of Wilmington, sister, Molly Mabe (Dave); and many nieces, nephews and cousins. We are grateful to Athena Teasley for the compassionate and loving care she gave us in these last months.
Wright’s family moved to Charlotte in 1962. He graduated from Myers Park High School in 1970 and attended UNC. He worked in education and telemarketing before taking a leap and becoming a professional storyteller. Wright loved storytelling. It introduced him to interesting people and took him to interesting places. He performed mainly in North and South Carolina but traveled as far as California and Florida to tell tales. His storytelling was highly interactive and usually accompanied by one of the many instruments he played. Despite many health challenges the past few years, he remained engaged with friends and family.
Wright received a liver transplant in 2013 and was thankful every day to the donor who gave him ten years to stay with the people he loved.
A Drop-in Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 8 at Red Rocks Café, 4223 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be sent to Lifeshare of the Carolinas at Atrium Health Foundation fbo LifeShare Carolinas, 208 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203 (www.lifesharecarolinas.org). No flowers please.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Clarkson family.
