Larry Gene Bright was born on August 1, 1950 in Vidalia, Georgia to the late Doreatha Jones Bright and Braddy Bright, Sr. He departed this life surrounded by those he loved to join his heavenly Father on April 20, 2024 after a brief illness.
Larry received his education at Lyons Industrial High School in Lyons, Georgia. Shortly after high school, Larry moved to Morristown, NJ in 1968 and began working at Morris View. He remained at Morris View for over 30 years. While at Morris View, Larry enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and served 2 years.
Larry began his journey back south, relocating to North Carolina. There, he would continue his career by working for Duke University Hospital. He remained at Duke and retired after 5 years of service.
Larry enjoyed cooking, music (his favorite group was the O’Jays), bowling, playing cards and most of all, golf. You could catch Larry and Charles on a golf course any day. He was proud to give a set of golf clubs to his son-in-law, Pete. Larry loved watching football and would always brag about the J.E.T.S....JETS JETS JETS! Everytime they would do something good Larry would call his nephews and daughter talking trash.
Larry also enjoyed hosting events at his “home”. Anyone who knew Larry knew he had a plethora of houses that he called his own. He would throw a New Year’s eve party, a Christmas party or if you were just visiting, he took pride in fixing the best breakfast.
To know Larry was to love him. He loved to laugh and boy was his laugh infectious! He loved his family and looked forward to family reunions and gatherings each year.
Larry enjoyed to travel up and down the east coast. Regardless of where he was going, he would always map out directions that kept him away from Interstate 95. You would often hear him proclaim “301 is the fastest way!” If you ever had the pleasure of riding with him, he would stop in every little town. He knew everyone, and everyone in those small, quaint towns off of Route 301 knew Larry.
Larry was met at heaven’s gates by his mother and father, Doreatha Bright and Braddy Bright Sr.; his son, Curtis Eugene Bright; and his siblings, Charlene, Braddy Jr., Ronnie and Rudolph Bright.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Tanya Tilghman (Clarence Jr. “Pete”) of Claymont, DE, and Brian Bright of Dover, NJ; his companion, Denise Johnson of Vidalia, GA; his grandchildren, Brittani Bright Tilghman of Springfield, MA, Carla Everett (Johnnie) of Middletown, DE; Alexis Tilghman of Wilmington, DE; Danielle Tilghman, Claymont, DE; Clarence Tilghman III of Claymont, DE; great granddaughter, Alora Everett; siblings, Ethel Hawkins (Erskine) of Dover, NJ; Mae Williams of Morris Township, NJ; Shirley Mincey of Knightdale, NC; Pamela Howell (Lourinza) of Knightdale, NC; Charles Bright of Dothan, AL; one uncle, Lavorn Jones (Dorothy) of Vidalia, GA; aunts, Hazel Sanders of Pompano Beach, FL, and Annette Jones of Miami, FL; his best friend for over 50 years, Chester Smith; special nephews and niece, Tony Bright, Bretley Bright and Tula McCutchen; bonus children, Erick and Derek Williams, Zannis Johnson and Ravon Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 9 a.m.with funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. at the Solomon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 901 Thompson St. Ext., Vidalia, burial to follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery, Lyons GA.
The Vincent R. Drummer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Larry Gene Bright.
