Clay Wright: Tabor City

1949 – 2021

     Buren Clayton “Clay” Wright of Tabor City, husband of Gail Wright, passed away Friday, Feb. 12, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach. He was 71.

     Born Sept. 9, 1949 in Whiteville, Clay was the son of the late Lynwood Wilson Wright and the late Ruby Pait Wright.

     He was an active and committed member of Iron Hill Baptist Church and an avid golfer and member of Diamondback Golf Club.

     Clay was a proud veteran who served two tours in Vietnam in the United States Army. He retired from the NC Highway Patrol and later worked part-time for both the New Hanover and Brunswick County Sheriffs Departments. Above all, Clay was committed to his family and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

     Clay was predeceased by his parents and his grandson, Zachary Taylor Best.

     Survivors include his loving wife, Gail S. Wright; children Tarra Ann Best and husband Randy, Brooke Benton and husband Michael, Stephanie Taylor and husband Michael, Leah Rogers, Shelli James and husband Lee, Steven Cox and wife Analea, and Neal Rogers and wife Andrea; grandchildren Austin Best, Macelyn Best, Claire Benton, Audrey Benton, Heath Taylor, Ali Phillips, Isabelle James, Lily James, Averi James, Jonathan James, Stella Cox, Layla Cox, Alexa Rogers, and Bryce Rogers; siblings Saundra W. Norman, Greta W. Todd and husband Ronnie, and Woody Wright; nieces Cristy W. Prince and husband Joey, Paiton T. Harrelson and husband Brandon, and Kendra Wright Gardner; great nieces and nephews Anna Beth Prince, Caroline McKenna Prince, Layton Dozier Harrelson, Adalyn Elizabeth Harrelson, and Mollie Beth Harrelson; and his loyal and beloved fur babies Belle, Cayden, and Lucy.

     Family planned a private memorial service with military honors.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Iron Hill Baptist Church, 22247 Peacock Road, Tabor City, NC 28463.

     A guest register is available here.