SFC (Ret) Jeffrey William Bright

SFC (Ret) Jeffrey “Jeff” William Bright, 78, of Smiths Station, AL died peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, while at the Bethany House in Auburn, AL under the care of Compassus Hospice with his loving family by his side.

Funeral Services, with U. S. Army Honors, will be held at 11:00AM (EST) on Thursday, August 07, 2025, in the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Dr. David Kees officiating. A private interment will follow in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM until the funeral hour on Thursday at the funeral home.

Mr. Bright was born on July 23, 1947, in Boston, MA son of the late William Bright and Eleanor Doughtery Bright. He retired from the U. S. Army after 26 years of committed and dedicated service to our country. During his military career, he served in the Vietnam War two tours, Granada, Panama, and the first Gulf War one tour each. SFC (Ret) Bright received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart among other commendations and honors. After his military career, he began a new career as a realtor working for Jay Shepherd Reality. His gentle personality and desire to help others allowed him to be successful in his new career field. He eventually retired fully to enjoy life with his family and friends.

Jeff was an active member of Smiths Station Baptist Church where he enjoyed worshiping with family and friends as often as he could.

We will remember him as a patriot, loving husband, father and grandfather. He gave willing and freely to our Country, his family and friends.

Mr. Bright was preceded in death by his parents, William and Eleanor Bright, a stepson, Adam Sanders.

Survivors include his wife, Eva Fuqua Bright, Smiths Station, AL; a stepson, Marcus “Marc” Sanders (Elizabeth); a sister, Hedi Bright , Weymouth MA; three grandchildren, James Donovan Sanders, Stewart Sanders and Ella Sanders; two great-grandchildren, Kodi Sanders and Kasey Sanders; brother-in-law, James R. Fuqua (Fracis Jones) and sister-in-law, Mary Hill (Randy); “aunt and uncle” Dorothy and Mike Turner; several other family members and friends.