May 29, 84, La Grange
Cleveland Lee “Cleve” Wright, 84, of La Grange, peacefully passed away on Monday, May 29, 2017. Cleve was born November 8, 1932 in Dobson, NC to the late Perry Wright and Nancy Cockerhan Wright. Cleve proudly served his country. He served 3 years in the United States Marine Corps and later served 23 years with the United States Air Force retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. Cleve was passionate about bluegrass music. He loved playing the banjo and guitar. Cleve could often be found performing old hymns for the senior adult meetings at church or playing bluegrass on the weekends. He was instrumental in teaching numerous individuals how to properly play the guitar and banjo. An accomplished woodworker, Cleve loved working with his hands. He built decorative shelves, swings, tables and chests. His intricate, detailed work was second to none. Cleve freely spoke his mind and liked things his way. Once you got through his tough exterior, you discovered a tender-hearted man with a special love for children and helping others. Cleve attended La Grange Church of God.
A service to celebrate and honor Cleve’s life will be held Friday, June 2, 2017 at 10 a.m. from Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Arnold Ball officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
Cleve is survived by his beloved and wonderful wife of 29 years, Ann Howard Wright; grandson, Stephen Blackburn and his fiancee, Charlie Taylor; his beloved grand dog, Lady; step-daughter, Wanda Sue Carter Smith and husband, Steve; two brothers, Hubert Wright and wife, Janette, and Howard “Edward” Wright and wife, Jan; two special daughters, Michelle Pelletier and Pam “Skeeter” Drisko; special granddaughter, Skylar Drisko; special family friends, Don and Peg Thiltgen; daughter, Penny Sue Wright Baker and husband, Brian; and a great-niece Cleve referred to as “Papa’s Girl”, Raelyn Phelps. In addition to his parents, Cleve was preceded in death by two siblings, Arnold Wright and Margie Jumpe; and a special grandson, Cody Drisko.
Cleve’s family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home. Cleve’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kris Cummings, Dr. Pradeep Arumugham, Viola Pate, and the staffs of Kinston Medical Specialists and 3HC for their loving care and support. Words can’t begin to express our gratitude. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Lenoir Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 188, Kinston, NC 28502. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.