Obituary: Robert Louis Bright
Robert Louis Bright died peacefully in his home in Kinston, NC on January 23, 2025 with loving family by his side. Bob was born in Newton, NC on July 24, 1939 to the late Ernest and Hermine Bright.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends in Moseley Hall following the service
Bob was a graduate of Wake Forest University where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He married Mary Jane Martin Nelson on February 4, 1966 in Danville, VA. Their marriage was a testament to unwavering love and devotion, and Bob embraced her children, Kim, Bill, and Michael, as his own before they welcomed their daughter, Georgeann. Bob and Mary Jane shared a beautiful life together for 45 years until her passing in 2011.
Bob enjoyed a successful 40-year career as a pharmaceutical sales representative with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, where he earned numerous awards and accolades for his dedication and excellence in the field. Beyond his career, Bob’s accomplishments reflected his passion for life. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, obtained a recreational pilot’s license, and became a licensed residential real estate agent.
Fishing at the Crystal Coast was one of Bob’s outdoor passions and he loved nothing more than sharing his catch with a fish fry for family and friends. He also enjoyed smoking turkeys for loved ones during the holidays, attending Wildlife Club meetings and dinners, Hog Island fishing trips, and Saturday morning breakfasts with friends at Lovick’s Café.
Remaining to cherish Bob’s memory are his children, Kim Hazelgrove and husband Doug of Kinston, NC, Bill Bright and wife Thomacine of Oklahoma City, OK, Michael Bright and wife Bonnie of Kure Beach, NC, and Georgeann McLain of Fayetteville, NC. He also leaves behind grandchildren Scott Hazelgrove and wife Maddie and Myers Avram and husband Andrew of Raleigh, NC, Ashley Gotcher and husband Britt of Oklahoma City, OK, Wes Hazelgrove and wife Tori of Kinston, NC, Tarrah Roberson and husband James of Oklahoma City, OK, John and William McLain of Fayetteville, NC, eight great-grandchildren, his brother, David Bright of Charlotte, NC, Gene Martin, brother-in-law, of Danville, VA, and special friend Merle Outlaw.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his compassionate caregivers, the staff at Gentiva Hospice, and UNC Lenoir for their extraordinary care.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 800 Rountree Street, Kinston, NC 28501.
