Bill Alexander Bright

Bill Alexander Bright, 78, of Valdese, died Tuesday March 31, 2015 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Valdese. Bill was born April 14, 1936 in Valdese, a son of the late Vance and Isabelle Amelie Salvageot Bright and the grandson of Hobert Salvageot, one of the founding group of emigrants to Valdese. After moving to Long View with his family in 1941, Bill graduated from Hickory High School and attended the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipyard, training as a joiner. He was appointed to be a cadet at West Point, however, he decided to become an Army Ranger and joined the 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper. While stationed in Germany, he rented a VW bug and drove it across the snowy Alps to visit the Waldensian Valleys in Italy, a trip that became one of his many tales. After completing his service, he joined the Border Patrol, serving in Texas and California. There he became conversant in Spanish and developed a lifelong interest in Mexico and its people. Following his border patrol his love of flying led to a brief, and nearly fatal, stint as a crop duster. He continued to fly and earned his instructor's license before he finally returned to North Carolina and worked as an independent home construction contractor and in the construction trades with Moss Marlow with a brief career as a long haul truck driver when the construction market was down. He then retired to Valdese. Bill will be remembered for his willingness to give of his time and his many talents. His stories, wit and easy laugh will be sorely missed by those lucky enough to be his family and friend. Surviving are his brother, Edward "Herb" Bright and Sister, Nellena Thomas, and many loving nieces and nephews. Graveside Services will be held Monday May 18, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with Rev. Dr. Kevin Fredrick officiating.