William J. Brightwell

Mr. Brightwell was born on August 12, 1934 in Dale County and graduated from Dale Co. High School.

He retired after more than 20 years with the United States Air Force as a Crew-Chief and Aircraft Mechanic (E-6/ Tech Sgt.) He also flew B-52 combat missions, served in the Vietnam Conflict, and earned medals/honors of: Air Fore Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters and Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Mr. Brightwell loved Alabama Football, Baseball, and Softball.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Crosier Brightwell ,Sr., and Laura Griggs Brightwell; sisters, Grace Strickland, Miriam Moore, Lillie Mae Adams, and Jean Simpson; and brother, Thomas Crosier Brightwell, Jr.

He is survived by his step-sons, Prasert Mapon and Terasuk Mapon; nephews, Michael Simpson, Robert Adams, Jr., James Strickland, John Brightwell, and Jeffery Adams; nieces, Kathy (Bill) Powell, Patsy Sanchez, Dorothy Dean, Cheryl Eiland, Deborah Jones, Marsha (Dean) Wilson, and Jane (Steve) Mobley; a host of Great-Nieces and Great-Nephews; and long-time friends Mike Heck and Carom “Malee” Mapon.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 10:00am-11:00am at Leak Memory Chapel with a Celebration of Life at 11:00am officiated by Michael Simpson. Pallbearers to include: Robert Adams, Prasert Mapon, Jeffery Adams, Chase Nix, Christina Sanchez, and Adam Simpson; Honorary Pallbearer: Bill Powell.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. James McLaughlin; Hospice of Montgomery; the Staff at CaraVita Village and Director, Tonya Allen; and sitters/caregivers, Doris Zeigler, Seda Zeigler, Beverly Jones, and Carolyn Glenn.