Brother William Joseph “Bill” Bright Jr., a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and resident of Franklinton, was born on March 9, 1932, to the late William Joseph, Sr. and Odessa Johnson Bright.  He departed this life peacefully in his beloved home and entered into eternal rest with his Father in heaven on Oct. 20, 2015.

William leaves to cherish his memories, the love of his life, his wife, Jimella Bickham Bright of Franklinton; four daughters, Tricia (Frankie) Crosby of Franklinton, Sherri Bright of Magnolia, Miss., Nancy Bright of Covington, and Cassie Bright of Franklinton; seven sons, Timothy (Tammie) Bright of Clinton, Miss., Alex, Ernest, Edward and Lucky Bright, all of Franklinton, Joshua Bright of Bogalusa, and Markie Bright of Picayune, Miss.; two brothers, Leroy Bright of Cedar Rapids, and Louis Bright of Hannibal, Mo.; two sisters, Ruth (Richard) Turner and Betty (Virgil) Facion, both of Cedar Rapids; 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William and Odessa Bright; two sons, Maurice and William Bright Jr.; one granddaughter, Brittany Bright; and one brother, Leonard Bright.

Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 30, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m., at Magee’s Temple Church of God in Christ, with Supt. Cecealine Tate officiating. Interment will be held in the Greater Hayes Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.