Darrin Kyle Wright

Mr. Darrin Kyle Wright, 54, passed away in the early morning hours on Monday, May the Fourth, 2026, at Levine & Dickson Hospice House Southminster in Charlotte, NC. The birds were singing as he peacefully died after a very valiant, hard-fought battle with rare spinal melanoma. His partner and caretaker, Laura Peabody, was by his side.

Darrin was born in upstate New York, where he lived during his early childhood. He relocated to Alabama with his mother, then lived in Norfolk, VA. He eventually moved to the Charlotte/Rock Hill area and really loved it. He was a maintenance supervisor for Tribute Properties Inc. (Whisper Creek in Rock Hill), before retiring due to his illness. He worked extremely hard and was very dedicated to whatever he put his mind to. His work ethic and innovative ideas were simply top-notch! Darrin formed very special relationships with his colleagues and tenants. Even his hospice nurses used some of his creative ideas for making everything accessible from his bed.

Darrin was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Wright, and his mother, Patricia Wright. His mother passed away just over 6 months ago. Her ultimate wish was to see Darrin completely recover from his disease. Even though complications from his treatments did not allow him to find a cure, Darrin lived his life fully, wholly, and without regrets. His wish was for us all to do the same.

Darrin loved the Grateful Dead and music in general – just like his mother. He enjoyed attending many festivals and concerts during his days, including 34 Grateful Dead shows! He loved animals dearly and had many special pets. He was a kind-hearted soul and so very smart. We will miss him eternally but his love will live on forever. He is survived by his partner, Laura, of the home, and her children, Sara Alford and Charlie Alford (US Navy, Norfolk VA). Sara, also of the home, was an additional caregiver, and Darrin loved her so much. He was so proud of Charlie and his dedication to the US Navy. Other survivors include his Aunt Donna Follette (NY), his uncle Paul Hoagland (FL), as well as his step-mother Diane Wright, sister Colleen D’hondt, brother Shaun Wright, and many nieces/nephews and cousins, all from upstate New York. Darrin also truly appreciated the close friends and family he found in the Rock Hill area, and he was eternally grateful for all of your unyielding support. The Simpson Family, Emily and Steve Johnson, Luci Vasseur, and Carolina Lift Stations for their extra special assistance during this time.

The family would like to thank the following medical teams for their special care and support: Dr. Asim Amin and his nurse Beth at Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte; Encompass Health and Rehabilitation Hospital in Rock Hill; VIA Health Partners of Fort Mill (especially his wonderful nurses Monesha, Mary, and Melissa); and Levine & Dickson Hospice House Southminster for their care in his final hours.

We’d also like to give special thanks to friends, Enrique Priest, Beth Langley, Alexis Cox.

A celebration of Darrin's life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

“Fare the well, fare the well, I love you more than words can tell …”