Waynesville- Gerald “Jerry” Brightwell, 69 went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 20, 2020, at Mission Hospital. Jerry was born in Wichita Falls, TX on September 15, 1950, to the late Earl and Eloise Sweatt Brightwell. Jerry loved working with his plants and flowers. He enjoyed photographing mountain waterfalls and target shooting. Most of all Jerry loved spending time with his family, especially his sweetheart, Gloria. Jerry served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life for over 40 years, Gloria Bishop Brightwell; daughter, Teresa VanRensselaer; sons, Jeremiah VanRensselaer and Mike Adams (LaShaya); brother, Jody Brightwell (Sharon); sister, Catherine (Kitty) Smith; grandchildren, Jason (Sarah), Travis (Jamie), Faith, Brookstyn, Saban; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Carolyna, and Olivia; niece, Rebecca; nephew Nicholas (Victoria), Michael, Benjamin, and Jacob; great-nieces, Casey (Jordan) and Lydia; and great-nephew, Wyatt.
A private graveside service is planned.