John Clayton (J.C.) Bright Published: 03/26/2007
John Clayton "J.C." Bright, 93, of Snapps Ferry Road in Afton, died Saturday at Laughlin Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Bright, a farmer, retired in 1982 from the U.S. Soil Conservation Service after a number of years working with the farmers of Greene County and surrounding areas, a position he thoroughly enjoyed, his family noted.

Born Oct. 31, 1913, he was a lifelong resident of Greene County and was a son of the late Mack D. And Elizabeth Peters "Lizzie" Bright.

Mr. Bright was a lifelong member of the Mount Zion United Methodist Church. He participated in numerous activities of the church, including teaching the Men's Bible Class for several years, often leading prayer meetings, and helping in most church projects. He attended each Sunday morning and evening services, as well as mid-week prayer meetings, as long as his health permitted.

Mr. Bright was an active member of the Mount Zion UM Men and was a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees (ARFE).

His family stated, "He was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends, or when he was trying to help someone in need. He was 'Daddy John' to many of the people of the church and nearby. His smile, help, and thoughtfulness will be missed greatly."

Survivors include his wife of 70 years: Marjorie Taylor Bright; two daughters and one son-in-law: Mitzi Bright of Greeneville and Cynthia and Bill Webster of Loudon; a daughter-in-law: Aundrea Reynolds of Afton; seven grandchildren: Dr. Fred Foshee of Knoxville, Tim Foshee of Springdale, Ark., Jamie Webster of Knoxville, Christy Freeman of Birmingham, Ala., and John Bright, Beth Jeffers, and Eva Taylor, all of Greene County; six great-grandsons: Forest McCollough, C.J. Bright, Garren Taylor, Will Freeman, Grant Freeman, and Isaac Jeffers; six great-granddaughters: Julia Webster, Clara Webster, Maggie Freeman, Sarah Freeman, Sophia Foshee and Evie Jeffers; a stepgreat-grandson: Kenney Biesterveld; a sister: Elizabeth Bailey; three sister-in-law: Montie Bright, Eloise Vaccaro, and Elizabeth Duggins; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend: Phil Justis.

Mr. Bright was preceded in death by a son: Mac A. Bright; two sisters: Clara Gray and Julia Shanks; and four brothers: Haskell Bright, Kyle Bright, Basil Bright, and Ben Bright.

The family received friends from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Jeffers Mortuary.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at Mount Zion UM Church with interment in the church cemetery. Joe Kilday and the Rev Curtis Grissett will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Williams, Ray Maupin, Paul Maupin, Eugene Brown, John Gray, Vic Duggins, Jeffrey Bright, Howard Bright, and Tonnie Bailey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Thomas Beckner, Dr. Mark Patterson, Clarence Richards, Lynice Broyles, the Rev. Lee Cate, the Rev. Calvin Reagan, the members of UM Men's Club, the members of Mount Zion UM Church, Bobby Shanks, Fred Franklin, and his special former coworkers.