Bobby Kyle Bright

Bobby Kyle Bright, 76, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, died Friday morning, March 11, 2011, at his home. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Bobby was also a self-taught shade-tree mechanic and engineer who had numerous inventions and held two patents. His quick wit, sense of humor, and reputation as a prankster will be missed by many. As a life-long member of his beloved Sweetwater First United Methodist Church, Bobby was also a lover of music and was a member of the Chancel Choir for sixty-five years. He and his mother-in-law, Sue M. Watson, Madisonville, Tennessee, rebuilt and refurbished numerous antique pump organs. Bobby was also an avid University of Tennessee sports fan and also officiated in the World Football League, the Southeastern Conference, the Ohio Valley Conference, and numerous TSSAA games. Bobby was a graduate of Sweetwater High School and attended Hiwassee College and Tennessee Wesleyan College and also served in the Tennessee National Guard. He was part-owner of Powers Industries, Sweetwater, and was an employee of Bowater, Inc., Charleston, Tennessee, Vestal Manufacturing, Sweetwater, and Plexco, Inc., a division of Chevron, and also served as a Sweetwater City Councilman. Bobby loved aviation and was a pilot who built and flew three single engine airplanes. Bobby is preceded in death by father, William Alexander Bright; mother, Nancy Jane Bright; brothers, William A. "Bill" Bright, James C. "Jim" Bright, Lynn "Runt" Bright, and sister, Alice Ann Bright. Bobby is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carrie Ann Watson Bright; children, Barbara and husband, Matt Ward of Knoxville; Andy and wife, Ann Bright of Farragut; Holly Bright of Sweetwater; grandchildren Adam and Alex Bright of Farragut; and brother, Frank and wife, Mickey Bright of Torrance, California. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 13, 2011 from 5:00P.M. until 7:00P.M. at First United Methodist Church of Sweetwater with the funeral service to follow at 7:00P.M. with Rev. Carl Oaks officiating. Interment 2:30P.M., Monday in the West View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Sweetwater First United Methodist Church Choir Fund or Building Fund. Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhome.com

Bobby Kyle Bright

March 11, 1935 - March 11, 2011