A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF Harry Hopkins Bright AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Harry Hopkins Bright on February 28, 2026; and

 

Whereas, a native of Colleton County, Mr. Bright was born on March 16, 1936, to parents Joseph "Josiah" Bright and Ida McKinley Reid Bright. He was educated in the Colleton County School System and graduated from the Colleton Training School. He received a scholarship to Allen University, where he played football as first end, sang with the Allen Choir, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Bright worked as a supervisor and foreman for over thirty years with Wildwood Landscaping Company. Many of his projects can be seen throughout downtown Charleston, including the famous pineapple fountain; and

 

Whereas, a veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Bright faithfully served his nation for nine years beginning in 1959. During this time, he was stationed in Germany, Korea, and Vietnam. He received several honors and recognitions due to his bravery displayed in combat including: the Silver Star of Gallantry in Action (the United States third highest award), the Army Accommodation Medal with V Device for Heroism, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Service Medal with V Device, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (2-D Award), the National Defense Service Medal, and the Expert Rifle Award; and

 

Whereas, a civic leader, Mr. Bright served with many community organizations, including the Hiram E. Mann Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen; and

 

Whereas, a devout Christian, he was a member of Isaiah United Methodist Church, where he worked faithfully in different capacities. He was a member of the choir, a class leader, a certified Lay Speaker, a former treasurer of the United Methodist Men, and a former treasurer of Isaiah United Methodist Church. He served many years as a delegate for the annual United Methodist Conference. He loved the Lord and attended church and Sunday School until his health started to decline; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Bright married his high school sweetheart, the late Agnes Elizabeth Bright, in 1959. They celebrated sixty-five wonderful years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 2024. Together they had four daughters, the late Bonnie Althea, Marsha Elizabeth, Harriett Cynthia, and Gladys McKinnley; and

 

Whereas, in his free time, he enjoyed singing hymns, watching football and wrestling, traveling with his sweetheart, spending time with his grandchildren, and joking around with everyone he would meet. During his final years, he was known for singing "You Are My Sunshine" wherever he went, bringing smiles along the way; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Bright leaves to cherish his memory Marsha E. (Kenneth) Clyburn; Harriet C. (Robert) Barrett; and Gladys M. (Peter) Lisbon; four granddaughters, Kristen Clyburn, Candace Barrett, Kourtney Barrett, Bianca (Isaiah) Jones; one great-grandson, Kingston Barrett-Reedy; one brother, Douglas Bright; one brother-in-law, Central Pete (Bernetha) Williams; two special nephews, Chester Bright and Bruce Grant; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He will be greatly missed.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Harry Hopkins Bright and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Harry Hopkins Bright.

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