Joe William Bright, age 83 of Forest City died Wednesday, February 4, 2026.  Joe was born on September 28, 1942, in Rutherford County and was the son of the late James Crawford Bright and Ruby Harris Bright.  He was the owner and operator of his family business, Bright’s Moving Service.   He was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church where he was a member of the church Mission Team.  Church missions were a very important part of his life, and he participated in numerous mission trips.  He also served honorably in the United States Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim Bright, and his sister, Kaye Bright Champion.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Margaret Gamble Bright of the home, his daughters, Susie Bright Melton and husband Marc, and Julie Bright Powell and husband Rick all of Forest City, his brothers, Wayne Bright and wife Bobbi, Doug Bright and wife Janice all of Forest City, and Mike Bright and wife Teresa of Rutherfordton.  There are also five grandchildren, Nic Melton, Thomas Melton and wife Emily, Gracie Powell, Jon Powell and Dawson Powell as well as a beloved great-grandchild, Harper Melton.

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Bethany Baptist Church with the Reverend Lane Goff and Reverend Chris Fox officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends in the Sanctuary from 12:30 until 1:45 prior to the service.  

Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church Mission Team, 760 Bethany Church Road, Forest City, North Carolina 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements, and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettkingcom