Max Morgan Bright, age 81, died Thursday, December 5, 2024 at his home in Forest City. He was the son of the late Ivy Alfred Bright and Lishey Byers Bright. Max was retired from the NC Department of Corrections where he was a Sergeant. He was a lifetime member of Bethany Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon many times over the years, was a Sunday school teacher, and was an RA Leader. He went on numerous Mission trips with the Bethany Mission Team.

Max was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and a Duke basketball fan. He was an expert Rook player who loved getting together with friends to have Rook parties. In his younger days, Max played industrial league softball for many years and was a top-notch pitcher.

He was preceded in death by seven brothers and one sister.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Gleena Jenkins Bright, his daughter, Starr Bright Morrow and husband Randy, his son, Brannon Bright, and a sister, Jackie Fisher, all of Forest City. There are three grandchildren: Montana Bright, Mckenzie Morrow LeNoir and husband Joe, and McCray Bright. He recently had his first great-grandchild, Levi LeNoir. 

The funeral service will be held at 4 o’clock on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Bethany Baptist Church with Reverend Lane Goff officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3 until 4 o’clock in the church sanctuary.

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