Burrill "Bob" Bright

Burrill (Bob) Bright, 91, of Alma, Arkansas, died on December 3, 2024, at his home with family present. He was born on June 21, 1933, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to Wilbur and Angeline (Lafler) Bright. He loved all of his thirteen siblings and was a good brother to them.

Bob met his future wife, Marie, at Times Square in New York City in 1952. They exchanged letters while he was overseas in Korea and were married in Brooklyn, New York, on May 8, 1954. Bob drove a taxi while Marie worked as a bookkeeper. The two of them went on to have three children and later adopted both daughters of his late son, David. There was nothing in this world more precious to him than his wife, Marie, for whom his love and devotion knew no bounds. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary before her passing in May 2023.

The family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1957, where they were first contacted by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Bob joined Marie as a member of the Meineke Congregation when he was baptized in 1959. He was a faithful servant of Jehovah God for over 65 years. In 1974, they moved to Yell County, Arkansas, to assist with preaching where there was a greater need. He never stopped, serving in many congregations throughout the state. Bob contributed to the construction of over 150 Kingdom Halls across Arkansas and as far away as Alaska. He aided in disaster relief on several occasions, including during the aftermath of Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina. Casandra and Summer frequently joined them in this volunteer service as soon as they were old enough to swing a hammer. The friends made in this work were so dear to Bob and Marie that many became lifelong brothers and sisters in faith, and some of their closest friends.

He was a man of remarkable skill. There wasn’t a machine he couldn’t fix, a fish he couldn’t catch, or a place he couldn’t find. Whether it was repairing something around the house or fixing a car, he had a knack for making things work, sometimes leaving us in awe—and other times, in frustration. And when it came to fishing, he seemed to have an endless supply of tricks and stories. Sometimes they were about the ones that got away, but they always centered around who was with him on his adventures.

His love for the outdoors extended beyond fishing. Bob used to say there wasn’t an interstate in the lower 48 states he hadn’t driven on—and he wasn’t kidding. His eyes would light up at the thought of jumping in the motorhome with Marie—no place was too far, and no trip was too long. They explored far and wide, sharing their love of the outdoors with their children and grandchildren, who were typically in tow. His favorite destination of all was anywhere in Florida that had a beach to “bum around on.” Some of his favorite memories included waking up to his sons feeding peanut butter sandwiches to a bear on a trip deep into the Canadian Boundary Waters, convincing Marie to ride a donkey in Mexico, and swimming a couple of miles with two of his granddaughters to reach an uninhabited island to search for treasure.

After God and family, his next greatest love was joking and having fun. When meeting new people, he would often say, “This is my wife, Marie Bright, and I’m Bob Dim.” He was always ready with a clever remark or witty quip that would leave everyone laughing—that is, if he could stop laughing long enough to finish! His jokes weren’t just about humor—they were about bringing people together, brightening days, and leaving smiles wherever he could. The memory of his laughter is a reminder to never take life or yourself too seriously and to find joy in the simplest of moments.

Bob lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, and love, serving as a guiding light to his family and friends. He was as tough and strong as nails. At times, some found that his protective and resilient nature made him seem a little hard to get to know. He had a unique way of doing things, but those who really understood him knew all too well that beneath that tough exterior was a heart full of love. He was deeply kind and warm on the inside, always caring for others in his own quiet way. His love was shown not through grand gestures, but in the little things—the quiet support, the patient ear, and the steady presence he offered to all. He fearlessly fought for what was right and had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and loved.

While it feels like the tallest tree in the forest has fallen, we are comforted knowing his legacy of love, laughter, skill, and wisdom will live on in each of us and continue to guide us. Rest easy, Papa. You were one of the best, and we are forever grateful for your presence in our lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Betty Bright, Wilbur Bright Jr., Wayne Bright, Peggy J. Heintz, Sylvia Green, Dale Bright, and Michael Bright; and his son David Bright.

He is survived by six siblings, two children and their spouses, seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews. They include his siblings Robert A. Bright (Karen), Donna Bright, Ronald Bright, Patricia Cronin (Jim), Gary Bright (Beverly), and Greg Bright (Lisa); daughter Debbie Jennen (Tommy); grandson Andrew J. Berner; great-grandson Andrew Berner (McKinley); great-great-granddaughter Nevaeh Berner; and great-grandson Michael Berner. He is also survived by his son Mike K. Bright (Belle); grandson Michael Bright (Carla) and great-granddaughter Hazelle Slates (Rylee); grandson Matthew Bright (Brandy) and great-granddaughter Isabelle Bright, great-granddaughter Jayda Bright, and great-grandson Reid Bright; granddaughter Jessica Christopher (Daniel) and great-granddaughter Lydia Christopher; and grandson Anthony Bright (Stephanie). Additional survivors include his granddaughters Casandra Bright and Summer Bright-Powell (Kiefer) and great-grandsons Valen Hogue and Grayson Bright.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 4711 Kelley Hwy., Fort Smith, AR 72904, to honor his memory. We invite all who knew him to join us in celebrating his life and the wonderful impact he had on all of us.

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