Carl Theodore "Ted" Bright

1949 - 2025

Carl Theodore "Ted" Bright
SMITHFIELD - Carl Theodore "Ted" Bright, 75, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 16, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Fleetwood "Pete" and Carolyn Bright, and his brother, Mark. Born in Elizabeth City, NC, on November 11, 1949, Ted grew up working on his family's farm alongside his father and brothers.
A natural athlete, Ted excelled in sports and earned a football scholarship to Lenoir-Rhyne College. There, he met the love of his life, Laura Kay Snead, and they married on July 22, 1973. Together, they raised three children: Donald Carl, Carolyn Melinda "Mindy," and Jeremy Ellyson.
For many years, the family lived in Chesterfield, VA, before relocating to Smithfield, VA, in 1998. Ted's career was marked by his versatility and dedication. He began in education as a teacher, football coach, and assistant principal in Lincolnton, NC. He later transitioned to the insurance and pharmaceutical industries before founding Bright Health Solutions, LLC, where he passionately helped individuals navigate Medicare, ensuring they received the best possible coverage.
Ted was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved coaching his children's sports teams, playing golf with family and friends, and creating lasting memories with his grandchildren. Ted's faith in Jesus Christ remained a guiding light throughout his life, and in his later years, he shared that faith openly with others. He and his wife, Kay, attended Liberty Live Church in Smithfield, and they cherished visiting other churches, including Bethany Global Methodist in Hampton, VA, and Cornerstone Chapel online.
Ted joins his parents and brother in Heaven and is survived by his wife, Kay; his brothers, Nelson, Buddy, Bruce, and Todd; his children, Donald (Kimberly) of Littleton, NC, Mindy of Conshohocken, PA, and Jeremy (Hayley) of Littleton, NC; and his beloved grandchildren, Morgan, Preston, Melanie, and Emily.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Little's Funeral Home in Smithfield, VA, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Children's Cancer Research Fund at www.childrenscancer.org, an organization Ted passionately supported.
Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com