Herlet "Ray" Bright

Herlet “Ray” Bright, 89, passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Monday, January 08, 2024, in Raleigh NC. He was born in Chocowinity, Beaufort County NC to the late John Franklin Bright and Mittie Moore Bright. He was the youngest of 9 children. He is preceded in death by all 8 of his siblings, his first wife Fannie Mae Toler Bright, his second wife Elizabeth “Lib” Yeargan Bright and grandson Chad William Austin.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 11th, 2024 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner NC. Graveside service will be January 13th, 2024 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC.

Ray is survived by his son Michael Ray Bright, his wife Cora Fayenett Bright, grandson Ronnie Gene Austin Jr. and 6 great grandchildren.

Ray served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was promoted to Staff Sgt in his last year of service. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve after completing his stint in the Korean War.

Ray used the knowledge he learned during his service in the military to become a Broadcast Engineer. He worked at Channel 7 (Washington, NC) and Channel 5 (Raleigh, NC) before starting his career as a State Employee with 30+ years at UNC TV Channel 4. At the time of his retirement, Ray was lead Broadcasting Engineer.

Ray was a quiet man who loved his wife, son, family reunions, fishing, crabbing, music, movies, and the many dogs he had in his life. His heart was always full of love.

A co-worker from UNC said “Ray was his mentor and friend for 30 plus years. He was one of a kind, known for his attention to detail and a quiet personality. When he did say something, everyone listened.”

Ray’s son and daughter-in-law has requested that, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Heartland Hospice, Raleigh.