Billy W. Bright

Billy Willard Bright, 77, of Blountville walked into heaven on Friday, April 26, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Billy was born in Kingsport on September 29, 1946 and lived his entire life in Blountville. He graduated from Blountville High School and served in the United States Army. Billy was assigned to serve in Vietnam, but during transport in mid-air, he received orders to report to Fort Hood, TX, where he spent the remainder of his time serving. In February of 1972, he received an honorable discharge. After his military service, he came back home and married the love of his life, Nancy Ann on May 3, 1974, and became an over-the-road truck driver. They decided to start a family, which led to his decision to go back to school and get his degree in education. Billy started his teaching career at Tri-Cities State Technical Institute as the Heavy Equipment/Diesel Instructor, which eventually took him to the Tennessee Technology Center in Elizabethton, from where he retired in 2009. Amidst this, he also worked part time for McNutt & Sons Electrical where he was always treated like family. Collectively, Billy taught for 30 years, established lifelong friendships and was an advocate and friend to many students. After retirement, he dedicated his time to enjoying his grandchildren and time with Nancy. 

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Estelle Bright; brother, Garvey Bright; sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Harvey Peters; nephew, Jeffrey Peters; and his entire world, his precious wife, Nancy Bright. 

Survivors include daughters, Teresa Ramsey (Mike); Kingsport, and Kim Jenkins (Jason), Bluff City; grandchildren, Clay Ramsey (Charlie Brown/Buddy-ro/Dude), Willow Jenkins (Little Dude) and Heather Marshall (Jacob); great-granddaughter Mallorie Marshall; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Bright, Betty Murray, Linda Johnson, Susanna Ramey; brother-in-law, Rufus Murray; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends. 

A visitation will be held in the chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Blountville, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. A service will follow, starting at 7:00 p.m., with Minister Mike Beverly officiating. 

Graveside services, with military honors will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Garden of Prayer at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home and Memorial Park with Minister Paul Mahaffey and Minister Richard “Dick” Basham officiating.

Pallbearers include Mike Ramsey, Jason Jenkins, Clay Ramsey, Jacob Marshall, Freddy Julian, and Lester Julian. Honorary Pallbearers include Rufus Murray, Jacky Livingston, Woody Woodward, and Jacob Davis. 

The family would like to express special gratitude to nurse practitioner, Megan Long and Dr. Guy Robins, both of State of Franklin Healthcare Associates, as well as the nurses of Amedisys Hospice. The care and compassion extended to him was unmatchable.