WILMINGTON — Eric Leon Wright born March 20, 1924 eldest child of Elbert Haywood Wright and Minnie Bell Miller Wright of Wilmington NC.
Leon as he chose to be called is predeceased by his father and mother, brother Edsel Wright, sister Joy Wright Sutton, his first wife Dorothy Dodson Wright of over 50 years and his oldest child Mary Ellen Wright McLawhorn.
Leon attended school in Wilmington and quit in the 10th grade to go to work joining the Army at 18. Serving four years during World War II a country boy traveling with his platoon landing in Normandy the day following D-day, through France, Italy, England and finally Germany where he along with others witnessed in person the horror of Nazi Germany camps.
Safely returning home and with the help of family and friends he was taught the plumbing trade. He met and married Dorothy while on a union job in Chapel Hill, NC. In 1948. Soon after their first child Mary Ellen was born and very soon followed Patricia Ann.
The family relocated back to the family home to settle down though Leon continued to travel for work until the late sixties when he chose to have a plumbing business with the help of his brother Edsel.
Leon loved where he lived and he loved the waters of Wrightsville Sound, Hampstead and Sneads Ferry NC. He was known for finding the best oysters and clams. As a young man Leon and Perry Bell would shrimp and fish the eastern coast from Wilmington to Florida. He was a true young/old men of the sea.
Gardening was always a necessity in his youth and when older he looked forward to putting in a garden that he would enjoy and share with all.
Leon liked all food from the sea and the land and he liked to drink and smoke cigars which may have shortened his life as he failed to make it to 100.
Dorothy passed in 2003 and Leon sought out an old friend who was also widowed, Peggy Womble they married June 19, 2004 while dad was still a young 80. Leon and Peggy continued to live at the old home place enjoying the day to day life of retirement. Sadly as age would catch up with the man always in motion he became still.
Leon is survived by his sisters Carol Maultsby and Rachel Cobb, wife Peggy, daughter Patricia Wright Lyerly and husband Richard Lyerly, former son-in-law Clifton McLawhorn, grandson Clifton McLawhorn, Jr. and wife Wendy and their daughter Victoria Leigh Tracy and great granddaughter Keira Luna Heien, Peggy’s daughters Dottie Anderson and Barbara Clark, many nieces and nephews and families who Leon treasured having lasting relationships with. The Lord favored Leon with many blessings family, friends and good health. A full and blessed life indeed.
The family wishes to give thanks to the many care givers with Visiting Angels and special remembrance of Diane who brought joy to Leon with each visit. An additional thank you to Amedisys Hospice giving care to not only Leon but all of the family. Leon was blessed to reside at Spring Arbor of Wilmington for his care in his final days, thank you.
Please keep Peggy not only in your heart but with visits as she continues to reside at Spring Arbor. Thank you all who have shown care and love to Leon and family.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, at St. Andrews On-the-Sound.
