Ralph Eugene Bright, born August 21st, 1945 in Woodsfield, Ohio to Harry and Mary Bright, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family on June 20th, 2024, after battling a variety of medical issues. Ralph was a kind and loving husband to his wife of 55 years, Vicki (Freeman) father to his son, John (Megan), and grandfather to two baseball loving grandsons, Rex (15) and Hank (10).
Ralph was one of twelve children, growing up on a rural farm in Monroe County, Ohio. After high school he volunteered to serve in the United States Army and fought for the freedom of others in Vietnam. After his time in the Army, Ralph worked for 35 years at the General Motors stamping plant in Mansfield, Ohio, where he cherished the many friendships and camaraderie he had with his fellow co-workers.
Before, and after retirement, Ralph volunteered for many local organizations like the Lucas Lions Club, Habitat for Humanity, Mansfield Men’s Garden Club, Kingwood Center, Third Street Clinic and various Lucas youth sports organizations. Additionally, Ralph designed, planted and cared for the Mansfield Carousel gardens for 15 years.
Ralph loved visiting his grandsons in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and watching them compete in baseball, football, and wrestling.
He is survived by his wife Vicki (Freeman), son John Bright (Megan), grandsons Rex and Hank Bright, brothers Richard Bright (Karen), Paul Bright (Ruth), Ronald Bright (Claudia) and niece-in-law Bonnie Bright (Stanley). He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Mary Bright, brothers Robert Bright (Clara), Byron Bright (Dorthy), David Bright and Donald Bright; sisters Wilda Paden (Ross), Clara Jean Claus (Alvin), Janet Clark, Donna Lou Bright and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ralph volunteered much of his time to help others and was always ready to step in and step up to make sure a project was completed without a hitch. In lieu of flowers, please carry on Ralph’s spirit of giving back and spreading kindness by volunteering your time to help a local organization, help a neighbor or perform a random good deed for a stranger.
Ralph and his family would like to give a special thank you to the entire staff at Ohio Health Hospice, Wappner Funeral Home, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church Pastor Eric Steward, and the many neighbors who helped in his time of need.
At Ralph’s request, there will be no service. A celebration of life will be planned for family at a later date.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the Bright family.
Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com
Funeral Home: Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield
Website: www.wappner.com