home

Obituary and life story submitted by the family.

D

avid “Dave” George Wright, born on May 18, 1949, in Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away tragically due to complications of a fall, on November 7, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 76.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Joshua T. Wright and Barbara Welsh Wright, as well as his nephew, David Andrews. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Wright; his beloved son, Josh Wright; daughter-in-law, Cathy Wright; and his cherished grandsons, Ethan and Jacob Wright, all of Wilmington, NC.

He also leaves behind his sister, Anne Wright Andrews of Hampton, Virginia; niece Julie Edwards-McDaniels, her wife Cynthia McDaniel and son Lincoln Edwards, also of Hampton, Virginia; nephew Jay Andrews, his wife Emily Andrews and son Brandon Edwards of Ivor, Virginia; and Laura Wright, mother of Dave’s son, Josh Wright, of Carolina Beach, NC. Dave is also survived by his cousins Myra Willis, Brenda B. Abercrombie, and Linda Elliott-Rudasill from their hometown of Shelby, NC.

Dave at the helm, 2004 in Oriental, NC.

Dave graduated in 1967 from Marion High School in Marion, SC, where he played basketball for the Swamp Foxes. Continuing his passion for the sport, he attended the University of South Carolina, playing basketball for the Gamecocks and remained an avid fan throughout his life.

Dave and Carol with son Josh, daughter-in-law Cathy, grandsons Ethan and Jacob.

Dave’s career path was as varied and dynamic as his interests. He began his professional journey managing a clothing store in Rocky Mount, NC, and from 1979 to 1988 worked for Hardee’s Food Systems as a personnel and human resources director. In 1990, he transitioned to the Nursing Home and Long-Term Care industry, eventually working with Hillhaven and later Beverly Enterprises, serving as a Human Resource Director.

Dave with Grandson Jacob (and soccer award)

In 1997, Dave and Carol married, and in 2001, they moved to the charming sailing village of Oriental, NC. There, Dave managed the Provision Company, a marine supply store, and later found his true calling as a yacht broker with St. Barts Yachts in 2008. Sailing was not just a hobby but a way of life for Dave; he bought his first sailboat in 1975 and continued to own many boats over the years, and the last being a Bristol 41.1 CC. In 2015, Dave retired from St. Barts Yachts, having fulfilled his dream career.

In 2019, after retirement, Dave and Carol relocated to Wilmington, NC to be near their family. Dave took great joy in attending his grandsons’ soccer games and witnessing them grow into bright and energetic young boys.

A Celebration of Life service will be held in the spring to honor Dave’s remarkable life and legacy. The family suggests donations be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association, please see link below.

His family, friends, and all who knew him will forever remember his adventurous spirit, passion for sailing, and unwavering love for his family.

• Donate to The Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of Dave

Posted Wednesday November 12, 2025 by Keith N. Smith