Rodney Leon Bright

DURHAM: Rodney Leon Bright, 86, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Hock Family Pavilion. He was born in Durham, the son of the late William Harold Bright and Althea Oneal Bright Gurley. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bright is predeceased by his brother, William “Bill” Bright.

Rodney retired as a funeral director and embalmer after 60 years of being in the funeral profession. He was a retired volunteer firefighter for the town of Wake Forest. Rodney was a member of Knap of Reeds Lodge 0158 and the Amran Shriners. He was a member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church. Rodney was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He never met a stranger.

Mr. Bright is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jerry Ann Wall Bright; daughters, Trudy Bright McBride and husband Melvin, Pamela Denise Bright and husband Jimmy, Gena Reel Baillie and husband Mark; sons, Randy L. Bright and wife Jill, and Tommy L. Bright and wife Sharon; sister, Debbie Ray and husband Ricky; grandchildren, Lee Bright and wife Kristen, Jan Brock and husband Kris, Robbie Weatherford and wife Tracey, Chris Kimley and wife Amanda, Alexius Benedict-Craft and husband Bryan, Morgan Benedict and husband Gonzalo Rios Ley, Nate Baillie, Ben Baillie; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Rodney also leaves behind a special niece and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 1:00pm on Tuesday, May 14th at Clements Funeral Chapel with Dr. Gerald Goodwin and Rev. Ed Denton officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow at Wake Forest Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, May 13th at Clements Funeral Home in Durham.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to Durham Memorial Baptist Church,

133 Robbins Road, Durham, NC 27703.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.