Obituary of Lanny Joe Bright

Lanny Joe Bright of Hiltons, VA, went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2024, at the age of 73.

Lanny Joe was preceded in death by his father, Rev. Garn Bright; mother, Hester (Akers) Bright; grandparents, Ernest Bright and Zina (Olinger) Bright; grandparents; Rev. James and Mary (Gray) Akers. Lanny Joe is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Emogene “Jean” (Greever) Bright. They were married at Hiltons Independent Church of God. He is also survived by his two sons, Steven Bright and wife Jessie; and Tim Bright and wife, Amanda. He also leaves behind his precious sister, Karen Sherman (the late Tom Sherman); and his nephew, Phillip Sherman and wife Suzanne; great-nieces, Kitely and Emory. He was a wonderful papaw to his three grandchildren: Tiffany, Madison, and Ella-Kate Bright.

Lanny Joe was born in Hiltons, Virginia on October 29, 1950. He graduated from Gate City High School in 1969 and went to work at Eastman Chemical Company. He worked from July 9, 1969 until January 1, 2023, retiring after 53 and a half years of service.

Lanny Joe loved the Lord and people. He was a lifelong member of Hiltons Independent Church of God, serving as a Deacon since age 16. He enjoyed leading the singing at church, he knew the little red hymnal by heart. Lanny Joe loved hearing God’s word and never missed an opportunity to go to church. He was also a lifetime member of the Hiltons Volunteer Fire Department. It was an honor for him to have served for over 50 years. Family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed visits from his grandkids. He and Jean often attended pageants, chorus concerts, band performances, awards days, anything to support his granddaughters. Lanny Joe was a very proud papaw. 

The visitation will be held from 11 am to 2 pm Friday, January 5, 2024 at Scott County Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm with TJ Hood, Junior Bowery, and Gene Stallard officiating. Music will be provided by Janice and Wayne McNutt and the Ladies Group from Hiltons Independent Church of God. Burial will follow at Smith Family Cemetery in Hiltons, VA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hiltons Volunteer Fire Department in Hiltons, Virginia or Shades of Grace: A United Methodist Congregation in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

His favorite verse, Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths”.

Carter-Trent/Scott County Funeral Home, Weber City, VA is in charge of the arrangements.