W. Delbert Bright's Obituary
W. Delbert Bright
Longtime Longview civic leader, W. Delbert Bright was graciously
called home Monday, May 28, 2012. Delbert was born on Feb. 13, 1929 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. During his lifetime, he served as
President of the Longview United Way, the Chamber of Commerce,
Downtown Development Corporation, Downtown Rotary Club where he was a
Paul Harris Fellow and the East Texas Council of the Boy Scouts of
America where he received the Silver Beaver Award. He also served as Vice
Chairman of the Camp Fire Girls, Inc. He narrowly lost election as Gregg
County Judge in 1990.
He loved the Lord and taught Sunday School for many years at First United
Methodist Church, Longview where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board
and taught Sunday School. He served as a group leader and officer of Bible Study
Fellowship. He was most honored to serve on the Board of
Trustees of Letourneau University for 19 years.
Delbert was sought after as a dinner speaker and master of ceremonies
at area banquets. After working for Ark-La-Gas for 14 years he owned
and operated Southern Gas Company from 1963 to 1971 and later served
as a Senior Vice President of KN Energy and Texas Commerce Bank. During his
lifetime, he enjoyed flying model airplanes, hunting and playing tennis
and golf. He was a passionate graduate of he University of Arkansas in
mechanical engineering and later attended law school at Centenary
College and passed the Louisiana Bar exam.
Delbert is survived by his wife Jean; daughter, Lyndell and husband
Mike McAllister; son Kevin Bright and wife Yolanda of Longview and son
Mark and wife Anna of Nashville Tennessee; grandchildren Audrey
Castro, Jared McAllister, Andrea McAllister, Onaly Bright, David
Bright and Mikaela Bright.
A Memorial Service will be held at Oakland Heights Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.
on Thursday, May 31, 2012. Visitation will be tonight from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Rader
Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friends
of Partners in Prevention Mentoring Program or the building program of Mobberly Baptist Church.
What’s your fondest memory of W.?
What’s a lesson you learned from W.?
Share a story where W.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with W. you’ll never forget.
How did W. make you smile?