Mr. Charles Bright

Dr. Charles Henry "Doc" Bright, 90, of Beckley, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025 Born on July 10, 1935, in South Charleston, West Virginia, Charles lived a life marked by unwavering faith, compassionate service, and deep devotion to his family and community.

Charles began his professional journey as an elementary school teacher, where he first demonstrated his passion for nurturing young minds. His calling soon led him to serve as the West Virginia State Director of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), where he dedicated himself to sharing the message of Christ with children across the state. His leadership and vision left a lasting impact on countless lives during his tenure

Following his work with CEF, Charles transitioned into educational leadership as a school administrator at various institutions. He was an active member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), through which he continued to advocate for faith-based education and mentorship. Throughout this period of his career, Charles also served as an interim pastor at numerous churches, offering spiritual guidance and support wherever it was needed often with a thoughtful word, a quiet smile, and just enough mischief to keep people on their toes.

At Memorial Baptist Church, Charles held the role of Pastor for Senior Adults, a position that reflected both his pastoral heart and his ability to connect meaningfully across generations. Even after this formal role concluded, he continued to faithfully serve in schools and churches, locally at Greater Beckley Christian School and Wesleyan Chapel, always guided by his steadfast belief in Christ's love and grace. Those who knew him well learned that his personality was often expressed through his fondness for delightfully silly socks.

Charles was known not only for his ministry but also for the way he lived out his faith in everyday interactions. He never knew a stranger, his warmth and sincerity drew people in wherever he went. A gentle trickster with a dry sense of humor, he delighted in small surprises and jokes that revealed his joy in life. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or a perfectly timed remark, Charles made each person feel seen and valued. His family remembers him as a joyful presence, an incredibly loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose generosity and kindness were constants in their lives.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Frances Bright; daughters Starr Lynn Jolbitato (Jeff) and Sandra Leigh Lawson (Scott); grandchildren Heather Giles (Michael), Hollie Metrick, Hanna Dillard (Will), Jedidiah Lawson (Elizabeth), Grace Lawson, Annie Lawson, and James Lawson; and great-grandchildren Owen Giles, Austin Giles, Emmalyn Giles, lan Giles, Eleazar Lawson, Nolan Giles, McKenzie Lawson, Dylan Giles, Emma Lawson, Tevin Dillard, Leah Lawson, and Mason Giles.

Charles was preceded in death by his infant daughter Shari Loraine Bright; his parents; one brother; and five sisters.

A man of deep conviction and boundless compassion, Charles leaves behind a legacy rooted in faithfulness to God's calling on his life and to the people he so dearly loved.

May his life be remembered with gratitude and may his memory bring comfort, and a smile, to those who mourn his passing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Prosperity, WV on January 4, 2026 at 3pm. Friends are invited to gather at the church at 1:30 pm the day of services.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to request those wishing to honor Doc's memory to make donations to the Greater Beckley Christian Academy or Bowers Hospice of Southern West Virginia.