Kenneth Morris Bright

Kenneth Morris Bright 85, of Winfield, WV went Home to be with the Lord on July 14, 2026 after a very short illness at St. Mary’s Medical Center with his loving family by his side. He was born on February 25, 1941 to the late Randolph Harold Bright and Edith Marie Childers Bright in Winfield, WV. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly Helen Sandt Bright; and his brothers: Glenn Roger Bright and Harold Lee Bright. Kenny was a proud graduate of Winfield High School class of 1960 and participated in as many sports as possible. His high school summers were spent at Holiday Park Pool as a lifeguard where he entertained onlookers with his acrobatics on the diving board. After graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier the USS Bon Homme Richard out of San Diego, CA. After bootcamp he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Sandt and began a 40 year career with the Monsanto Corp. Kenny’s job in the Navy put him on the flight deck where his love of planes and skydiving took hold. After his service was up, he and Beverly made their way home to West Virginia where he indulged in his skydiving passion completing over 1,700 jumps. You could find Kenny skydiving in local football games, church picnics and once even dressed as Santa Claus landing on the roof of a business to promote their Christmas sale. Additionally, he proudly represented the United States in “Group Freefall” competitions across the country. When Kenny decided to retire from skydiving, he took up riding motorcycles. You would find him alongside his son, Randy on many trips across the state including a beach trip or two. After Kenny had long retired from skydiving, he decided on a whim to do one more jump, he was 70 years old. Kenny will be remembered for his love of service to others. He was a proud member of the James E. Marshall American Legion Post #187 in Winfield, WV. He currently held the position of Captain of the Honor Guard and participated in over 800 veteran funerals. No matter where he went, he recruited veterans to join their local American Legion Post. On a few occasions he was invited to share his knowledge of American Legion and military service with schoolchildren in their class rooms and considered it an honor. Another way Kenny helped others was through the American Red Cross. In his lifetime, he donated over 25 gallons of blood and saved countless lives. Kenny was a life-long Christian, most recently attending Teays Valley Church of God where he enjoyed singing praise and worship songs along with singing in the choir. His legacy of ministry to others, his absolute dedication to his faith in God and his unwavering devotion to his family will be his legacy. His shadow is big. Kenny would encourage you to find a way to serve others. Left to mourn his loss are his children: daughter, Kelli Bright Harrah (Douglas) of Scott Depot, WV; and son, Randy Bright (Cindy) of Winfield, WV; grandchildren: Gabrielle Harrah (Brandon), Braeden Hammar, Jamae Heidelberger (Travis), Sierra DeHaven (Jason); 4 great-grandsons: Gavin, Justin, Devin, and Theodore. Additionally, his niece Glennette Beach (Rex) of Virginia Beach, VA; and her children: Randi Ryder (Trey), Amy Pratt (Shawn) and many great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends who will all miss him and cherish his memory. A Celebration of the Life of Kenneth M. Bright will take place at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home Winfield, WV with Pastor Mandy Bohm, Pastor David Bowen and American Legion Commander Delbert Brannon officiating. Burial will follow in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery Dunbar, WV with military honors provided by US Navy and James E. Marshall American Legion Post 187 Winfield. Friends may visit the family from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Kenny’s tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Kenny’s name to: James E. Marshall American Legion Post 187 of Winfield, WV or to the American Red Cross. The Bright Family wants to thank the thoughtful staff of Saint Mary’s Hospital for their compassionate care to Kenny during his short stay there. Chapman Funeral Homes 12848 Winfield Road Winfield, WV 25213 is honored to serve the Bright family again.

Kenneth Morris Bright

February 25, 1941 - July 14, 2026