Jess “Jack” Bright, 70, of Franklin, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2008.
Born in South Bend, Indiana, he was the son of the late Jess Bright and Irmadell Johnson Bright. Jack was the owner of Ace Hardware Stores in Houston, TX. He participated in Municipal Government of Ft. Myers Beach, FL; served as Vice President of Operations for Habitat for Humanity of Lee County, FL; officer for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul; Guardian Ad Lit am in Macon County, NC and volunteered at Care Net. He was a Member of St. Francis Men’s Group, Lectors and Respect Life Organization, all of St. Francis. He was very well respected in the Ace Hardware Community. Jack lived most of his life in Houston, TX, and in Ft. Myers Beach, FL, he lived part time in Franklin for 10 years. For the last 3 years he has been a permanent resident of Franklin. He spent most of his life mentoring others and being involved in social action.
Jack is survived by his wife of 48 years, Roberta J. Bright; three children, Greg Bright and wife, Sue Anne of Austin, TX, Christina Butler of Houston, TX and Natalie Kelly of Houston, TX; one sister, Judy Brajcki of Asheville, NC; step-mother, Kirby Bright of Arkansas; two-step sisters, Shelley Higgins of Granger, IN and Sara Gerber of Arkansas; five grandchildren, Sean Popovic, Jordan Popovic, Madison Butler, Christopher Kelly and Caroline Kelly and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 7, 2008 at St. Francis Catholic Church. Father Tien Duong will officiate.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Houston, TX and burial will be in Austin, TX.
Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1585 Franklin NC, 28744.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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