Dale Courtney Wright

Dale Courtney Wright died on Saturday, December 21, 2019. He was born April 26, 1950 in New York (Queens), NY as the second and youngest child of the late Sylvester L. and Harriett Wright. In 1972, Dale graduated from Pace College (now Pace University) in New York City with a B.A. in Business Administration. While at Pace, he was an honor scholar athlete and also defensive standout for the Pace Setters basketball team.

Upon graduation, he joined the J.C. Penney Company in its New York headquarters as a Buying Assistant. He was rapidly promoted to Buyer and while there assumed his expansive knowledge of textiles. His charm and charisma enabled him to develop many lifelong business and personal relationship throughout the global textile and retail industries. Two of his hallmark achievements while at JCP were coordinating the launch of the ubiquitous "Bed in A Bag" and equally as commonplace today, the valance to accompany shower curtains.

In 1981, Dale began operating independently as D.C. Wright, Inc., facilitating the placement of a myriad of textiles throughout several U.S. retailers. During the height of US textile production, he worked with many household manufacturers such as Royal Velvet, Cannon, and Milliken (Brumlow) Rugs. As the industry moved offshore, he worked with international manufacturers to ensure continued supply into the US.

Dale was known for his charming charisma and infectious smile. He had a way with words (and he loved words). His words would bring a smile to strangers' faces - (really, to his future friends' faces) - and intertwine them in a bond so great that their same smile would return instantly upon seeing him at a later time. He had a strong will and witty sense of humor.

Dale was passionate foremost about his family; additionally about golf, reading, traveling, and all other sports. His famous "Fire in the Belly" and "Passion" (song) resonate with the many athletic teams that his kids were a part of. He was truly the life of the party, dancing his way through a life that he lived to the fullest.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Tina Wright and their daughter, Marymegan Wright; his brother, Sylvester "Skip" Wright, Jr.; two sons, Adam and Damon Wright; and grandchild Sienna Wright.

Dale will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A private family Memorial service was held on Monday, December 23 at 11:00 AM at the McKiever Funeral Home.

Donations can be made in Dale's name to:

*Lower Cape Fear Mercy Hospice at lcfh.org.

*Relay For Life website (benefitting the American Cancer Society) is forthcoming the week of January 13. Marymegan is co-Chairing the event for Phillips Exeter in honor of her dad.

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