Thomas Jackson "Jay" Brightwell III

Thomas Jackson (Jay) Brightwell, III left us for his heavenly home on December 26, 2023. Born in Athens, GA, he was the son of the late Thomas Jackson Brightwell, Jr and Juanita George Brightwell. His earliest childhood years were spent in the tiny town of Maxeys, Ga, where the Brightwell family had prospered and multiplied since the 1800's. He constantly reminisced about those idyllic, carefree years where everyone knew everyone, took care of everyone, and all was well with the world.
His dad's job took the family to Royston, GA and then to Pawtucket, Rhode Island where Jay quickly adopted New England traditions of playing ice hockey, trout fishing the Hunt river, and trapping lobsters and fishing for tuna from the Atlantic. A few years later, they transferred back to Georgia where Jay became a successful businessman, a discerning collector, and a gentleman farmer.
A friend to all, Jay never met a stranger. A master conversationalist, he lit up every room with his magnetic personality, quick wit, and playful sense of humor. Always full of energy and active, he never squandered a moment of precious time granted to us in this life - constantly moving, collaborating, inventing, fine-tuning, working, perfecting, thinking, and troubleshooting.
He is survived by his best friend, soulmate, and devoted wife of 43 years, Sarah Nanette (Nan) Starr Brightwell; his adored daughter, Sarah Elizabeth (Ella) Brightwell Snipes and her husband, Daniel; and his cherished granddaughter, Callista (Callie) Elizabeth Snipes. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Jackson Thomas Brightwell; his parents; and his only sibling, Rebecca Lynn Brightwell. Also surviving are cousins Laura Evelyn Brightwell, Layne Elizabeth Brightwell, and Charles Sanders Brightwell, Jr.
Jay was a longtime member of the Royston First United Methodist Church and attended Riverside Baptist Church.
Burial will be in the Sunset Cemetery in Maxeys, Ga on Saturday, December 30, 2023 at 1:00 PM with a graveside service led by Reverend Glenn Lyles. The family requests that for those wishing to honor his life's memory, please donate to the Sunset Cemetery Fund, Bill Cabaniss, PO Box 710134, Maxeys GA 30671; to Riverside Baptist Church, 215 Atkinson Bridge Road, Royston, GA 30662; or to any organization doing the Lord's work.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.
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