Damian J. Wright Sr.

Damian Jamal Wright Sr "Dame" was born to the late Larry Fuller and Gwen Hatchett on February 8, 1977, in Philadelphia, PA. He was the third of four children. Dame was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and graduated from Strawberry Mansion Senior High School. Damian is preceded in death by his father, Larry Fuller, and nephew, Raenard Wright.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, he was an avid Eagles and 76ers fan through and through, with the tattoo to prove it. No matter what their season looked like, nothing was going to change how he felt about his home teams. Dame also loved South Carolina women's basketball, having grown up with the head coach.
After graduating high school, he attended Temple University. Shortly after enrollment, he relocated to Virginia, where he met and married the love of his life, his wife of 27 years, Shawnice. Together, they cherished the simple gifts, supporting their children at sporting events or even a quick get-away for a local "staycation". From their union, they have six beautiful children, his hearts, all matching the same letter as his first name, Damian Jr, DeAnna, Dylan, Drew, Darby-Lynn, and Delaney "Emma".
Dame was a jack of all trades. He had a passion for mentoring others, whether his team members at LKQ or the youth in his local community. He spent countless hours coaching basketball in various organizations, including Virginia Select, where he coached his son Dylan and most recently and close to his hear, Maximum Effort AAU, where he coached his son, Drew. He saw the potential in each and every player, striving to bring their unique gifts to the surface. He was affectionately known as "Unc", a name that made him beam with pride.
As a father, Dame was the definition of devotion. Dame was his children's biggest cheerleader. In his eyes, nothing was impossible for them to attain. Event after event, he was always there to show his support, whether in the stands, running side-line on the football field or basketball court or offering his help with his wife's cheerleading gym. No task was ever too big or too small. He was labeled "Super Dad," "Hero", and "Mister Mom". Dame's inspiration and words of encouragement will remain his legacy.
Dame's family, both in the traditional meaning and family in heart, meant everything to him. His love was unconditional, moving heaven and earth for his village.
Dame will be missed by many. He leaves to cherish his memories, beloved wife Shawnice, children Denae', Damian Jr, DeAnna (Malachi Austin), Dylan, Drew, Darby-Lynn, Delaney "Emma", surrogate son Sheldon Bullock; grandmother, Catherine Sadler, mother, Gwendolyn Hatchett (James), bonus dad, Walter "Slick" Ross, brothers, Hank (Yolanda), Kenard (Makeba), and Karim; sisters, Charlene, Apollonia, Kiesha, and Doris; father-in-law, Anderson (Kim), brother-in-law, Sheldon (Kendall), sister-in-law, Tawana (Kenzie); along with a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, bonus children, athletes, and friends.