Ted Bright

Ted Bright, age 85, of Marion, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Autumn Care of Marion. Ted was born in Marion on May 13, 1937, to the late William Justice Bright and Ida Pool Bright.
Ted was a faithful member of Providence United Methodist Church in Marion where he attended until he was unable to go. Ted was a graduate of Marion High School, class of 1955. He worked several jobs until he graduated in 1960 from Clevanger Business college. In 1962, Ted went into the insurance business with NC Farm Bureau and South Farm Bureau, and NCBC Blue Shield as a special agent. He became the youngest agency manager in NC at that time and held that position for the next 20 years. Ted won many trips selling insurance throughout his career and won the 1 million Dollar award for selling a million dollars of life insurance. He became an independent agent in 1981 and enjoyed serving the community until his retirement.
Ted was also a founding member of the McDowell Saddle and Bridle Club where he enjoyed horseback riding & teaching lessons to many children throughout the years. He was an all star baseball player in his younger years and enjoyed watching the Braves every season.
Ted was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. His greatest joy was his family, who will miss him dearly, going trail riding on his favorite horse, and planting tomatoes in his garden.
In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded by his wife, Maude Blankenship Bright; brother, William J. Bright; sisters, Wilma Reel, Betty Ann Whitson, Selma Jones, and Willie Mae Davis.
Those left to cherish Ted's memory are his daughter, Susan Bright Bell ( Dr. William B. Bell) of Nebo; two grandchildren, William Chandler Bell and Olivia Caroline Bell; a most cherished friend, Jeanne Hensley, nieces, Janet Hughes, Sally Jean Peterson, Venita Coleman, Sonya Ruppe, Janice Waycaster, Linda Hamilton, and Cynthia Jones; nephews, Gary DeHaven and Dennis Whitson.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff for the exceptional care provided to Ted during his stay at Autumn Care of Marion.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 3:00pm on Monday, April 10, 2023, at Westmoreland Funeral Home Chapel in Marion. A funeral service to celebrate Ted's life will follow at 3:00 pm with Rev. Barb Mayo officiating. Interment will be held at Providence Church Cemetery in Marion.
Flowers are appreciated but for those wishing to make memorial donations in Ted's memory, please consider McDowell Saddle and Bridle Club, attention Katie Davis, 8786 NC 226, Marion, NC 28752 or to Providence United Methodist Church, 83 Providence Church Rd, Marion, NC. 28752.