Mr. Sammy Bright

Sammy Bright was born August 16, 1947, to Charlie Lee and Idella Bright in Tunica County rural precinct Dundee, in the state of Mississippi. His early years were spent living on the family farm taking care of the cattle, pigs, and chickens and looking after the crops. After high school Sammy spent three years in the US Army receiving the rank of Radar Team Leader with a national defense service metal, marksman M-14 prior to his honorable discharge in June 1970. Sammy went on to further his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from Memphis State University in 1974, a master’s degree in public administration from Memphis State University in 1975, and a master’s degree in business administration from Atlanta University in 1984. After college, Sammy spent much of his working life in service organizations. He was Program Director for the Boys Club of Memphis, TN, and both manager and director of the Regional Food Stamp Program for the Tennessee Department of Human Services in Chattanooga. He worked as the manager of Steak & Ale, a casual and fine dining steakhouse that complemented his love for cooking and cuisine. In 1984, Sammy started his own service business, Bright Services, which grew to $1.5 million in annual revenue. The company provided custodial services for over 50 local companies throughout the Atlanta area. Sammy also loved to learn and teach in the technology field earning certifications in Netware, Novell and Microsoft engineering. He used his technical expertise to teach at several colleges and training centers including Draughons College, Interactive College of Technology, New Horizons Learning Center, Carroll State Technical College, and Georgia State University. Sammy married the love of his life Yvonne on September 2nd, 2000, at their house in Snellville, Georgia. As anyone who would listen to him for more than a few minutes, Sammy’s proudest achievement was the blessing of his son—Justin—born in December 2000. Sammy dedicated the remainder of his life to raising Justin and ensuring he had everything he needed to grow into the fine young man he has become. Sammy became a member of New Bethel AME Church in Lithonia, GA and served in several capacities including the Men’s Ministry and as a Class leader. Sammy Bright passed away on September 2, 2024, at the age of 77 after succumbing to an autoimmune disease (polymyositis) that was diagnosed in the early 1980s. Sammy fought the good fight against polymyositis for over 40 years. Sammy was predeceased by his mother, Idella Bright, mother of eight sons: Clarence (Ford) Bright, Jimmy Bright and deceased brothers Arthur Bright, Earnest Bright, Albert Bright, L.C. Bright, and Freddie Bright. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 24 years, Yvonne Bright, his son Justin Bright, and a host of loving family members and friends. "In lieu of flowers please visit https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z2PA/campaign/C-1534R to donate to the Sammy Bright Memorial Building fund at New Bethel AME Church" Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Sammy Bright will be held on Tuesday, September 10 at 1:00 PM. These services will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/4556340

Tributes

Mr. Sammy Bright

August 16, 1947 - September 2, 2024