Harold Stanley Bright III

Harold Stanley Bright III, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and son, passed away on January 24, 2026, a day after his 77th birthday. Stan, as he was called by those who knew him, was born January 23, 1949, in San Diego, California to Harold and Barbara Bright. Raised in southern California, he loved cars and served as an altar boy.

Stan served his country for twenty years in the US Air Force reaching the rank of Master Sargent working as a fireman among his many professional accomplishments. During his first posting in Arizona, he met Florance Bright, the love of his life. They married February 2, 1973, in the Mesa Arizona temple. Their union produced eight children: Hal (Christina) Bright, Karl (Nichole) Bright, Ted (Billie) Bright, Aaron (Debbie) Bright, Diantha (Angel) Bright, Curtis (Cynthia) Bright, Julia (Matt) Bushong, and Ben (Alyssa) Bright. He loved and encouraged his children in all their dreams and endeavors, raising them in a loving home with humor and laughs.

Stan lived with his family, the Bright Zoo, as he lovingly called them, throughout the world in England, California, Arizona, Texas, and Virgina -- eventually returning to Phoenix, AZ where he lived the rest of his life. Stan earned his Master of Social Work from Arizona State University, following in his mother's footsteps. He worked as a juvenile probation officer serving for many years as a first-time drug offender interventionist.

During his entire adult life, Stan served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in many capacities. Notably, he served a church mission with Florance in Glendale, Arizona dedicated to college-age students.

Stan's greatest legacy is his family who he led and counseled and with whom he spent most of his free time. He is survived by his sister Barbara Bright, his eight children, 36 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren and their spouses. Stan's humor, love, and wisdom will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

A funeral will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building at 4901 W. Union Hills Ave in Glendale, AZ. A visitation will precede it starting at 9:00 AM.

Internment will take place following the service at the AZ Veterans Memorial Cemetery being laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Florance.