04/08/08 - NNHS Newsletter - Bill Bright

William James Bright III
(1921 - 6 Apr 2008)

Newport News High School Class of 193_

YORKTOWN - William James Bright III, 87, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2008 after a brief illness.

Bill was born in Newport News in 1921, reportedly the first member of his family to be born in a hospital. He graduated from Newport News High School, attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also had advanced degrees from William and Mary and Old Dominion. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II, mostly in the Pacific area, where he was in charge of a radar school.

Bill was president/owner of the Franklin Printing Company, until his retirement. He enjoyed education, learning and teaching, and he loved all new technology. After his initial retirement, he taught computer science at various technical schools, as well as Christopher Newport University. One of his first loves was boating, both sail and power. He was past commander of the Hampton Roads Power Squadron, past president of the Newport News Kiwanis Club, and the Hampton Roads Jaycees. He was, at one time, an avid flyer and member of the Langley Aero Club. He was a deacon and elder at First Presbyterian Church in Newport News, also serving as church treasurer and a current member of Yorkminster Presbyterian Church in Yorktown.

Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Bright Moore, and her husband, Shuman Moore.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Bright; his daughters, Alice Sink (Gary) and Betsy Bright; his sons, William (Willie) Bright IV, and John Bright; granddaughters, Jaime Sink Mutschler and Erin Sink Bagnall (Tim); and one great-granddaughter, Cayla Mutschler, who will miss him very much.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Feild Russell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Yorkminster Presbyterian Church, 6218 George Washington Highway, Yorktown, VA 23692.

Arrangements and cremation services handled by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton.

Published in the Daily Press on 4/8/2008.
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