of Batesville, AR
January 21, 1941 - April 29, 2017
Jerry Rex Brightwell Sr., 76, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017, at home in Batesville, Arkansas.
He leaves his wife of 52 years, Karen (Stevenson) Brightwell; his two sons, Rex Brightwell (Andrea Compton, AKA ''what's her name''), Stephen Brightwell (Crystal Brightwell); sister-in-law, Dorothy Brightwell; six grandchildren, Haley Brightwell (fiancé, Jerry Riggs), Dalton Brightwell, Ashton and Josh Clark, James Aiden Compton, Trevor Motes; fur babies, Sophie, Quinn, Ollie, Sassy, Loki, Petey, Auri; and good friends of 50-plus years, Bill and Cindy Nelson. He also leaves an abundance of cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ray and Ellen (Snookum) Brightwell; his brother, Owen Sims Brightwell; aunts, Geraldine Mitchum, Francis Phelan and Maxine Duncan.
He was born and raised in Batesville, Arkansas. He graduated from Batesville High School, where he was two-time all-conference in football, was a member of the Army National Guard, and Jaycees, where he received a few awards.
He also attended the Arkansas Bankers Association Lending School and American Institute of Banking Classes. He also served on the AIB board in Jonesboro, and was also a 32nd-degree Mason.
In his early years he enjoyed playing cowboy and football. He was a lifeguard at the Mickey Mouse Pool and worked at Paul Wright's Men's Store. He began his banking career at First National Bank of Batesville in 1967; he started as a teller and was in collections. After completing classes at Arkansas Bankers Association's Lending School in 1977 he became an installment loan officer at First National Bank.
He went through several banking changes, from Worthen National Bank, Boatmen's Bank, Bank of America and Merchants and Planters, all located in Batesville, Arkansas. He retired from Merchants and Planters at the age of 69 after being in the banking business for 43 years.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Batesville, Arkansas. He married the love of his life, Karen Sue Stevenson, on Aug. 16, 1964. They brought two sons into the world, Rex Brightwell on Sept. 22, 1968, and Stephen Brightwell on July 21, 1969.
He made many friends in his 76 years of life.
Jerry had a passion for deer hunting, cooking, racing, football, making parade floats for the bank and putting smiles on people's faces. He also enjoyed going to the many sporting events of grandchildren and spending time with his family.
The visitation will be held at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home on Thursday, May 4, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Southside United Methodist Church, 39 Magnolia St., Batesville, Arkansas, across from Southside High School at 2 p.m. Friday, May 5, and burial will follow at Locust Grove Cemetery.
Family looks forward to celebrating the life of Jerry Rex Brightwell Sr. and hearing many stories from family and friends.
Pallbearers are Sherman Rucker, Bryan Wilhelm, Greg Wilhelm, Chris Allen, Brian Goff, Russell Staggs, Lee Conditt and Shane Wood.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. J.R. Baker, Butch Duncan, Bill Nelson, Tommy Duncan, Phillip Baker, Dr. Muhammad A. Kahn, John Ellis and Scott ''Scooter'' Floyd.
Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Independence County, PO Box 3477, Batesville, AR 72503; Batesville Oncology; or a memorial of your choosing.
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20 Condolence(s)
Jan Burrow Qualls
Friday, May 5, 2017
You all our in my thoughts and prayers ...Jerry was a good man and a great family friend ,, he was always very nice to me and I will miss him.,, Jan Burrow Qualls
George Cavaness
Friday, May 5, 2017
My condolences and prayers for the family.
Janet, Bill Estes & Hannah
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Rex and family, we are sooo sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Bill wanted to send his prayers as well. He will be missed! Keep posting pictures as it makes everyone smile! He was truly a good man....
Craig Stave
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Jerry would not let someone be "down" while they were around him. Had a smile for everyone. Just loved being around people. He touched many lives and will be missed. Thinking of you guys
Mechelle
Thursday, May 4, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss of this very man that would just call me in his office and start talking about his love for his family and was willing to reach out to me as a new business
About 23 years ago. He never changed. I will miss him.
Mechelle
Marilyn Diemer Earnheart
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Karen & family,
I am so sad to learn about Jerry. He was such a sweetheart! Always ready to help in any way, always ready for a good laugh and I'll never forget his sweet smile. I know he will be missed terribly....thankfully there are many great memories of him.
Praying for peace, comfort & courage for each of you now & in the days ahead.
In His love,
Marilyn
Betty Burge Cockrill
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Karen and family, my thoughts and Prayers are with you. May God give you a peace and comfort that only He can give. Jerry was a special person and one of a kind.
Sissie
Thursday, May 4, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you Karen, Rex and Swampy(Stephen). I am so sorry about you loss, but I know in my heart that he is in the heaven above looking down on us and smiling.
Rickie Garrison
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Condolences to the Brightwell family for the loss of one of the best. My father sends sympathy as well for he can't get out because of a recent stroke. Jerry always had a smile and handshake for all.
Ron Stephens
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
I am So Sorry to hear of Rex passing , No words can fill the void you must feel , But May GOD give you comfort at this time my Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time
Douglas Walls
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
A great friend, citizen, and banker. He will be missed, but remembered.
Charles Jones
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
I want to say he was a great banker and person. He was my banker for years. I am sorry for your loss.
Michele Fick
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
So Sorry to hear this. He was such a wonderful and thoughtful man. My heart goes out to all the family and friends. May god comfort you in this sad time. Love to you all!!
JEFF PHILLIPS
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Sending prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days, so sorry for your loss.
Jerry Haertlein
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. May God bless you.
Brenda McClure Terral
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
It seems I have known Jerry all my life. I can remember my parents visiting his parents when I was a child. I am so sorry to learn he is no longer with us. He had a big personality and everyone loved him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Leann
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband and dad. May God and your many good memories give you comfort. Jerry will be remembered by many as not only their banker but their friend.
Terrie Barnes Lewallen
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Mrs. Brightwell and Family,
So sorry for the loss of Jerry. He gave me my first bank loan to purchase my first car in the late 70's. Karen, you were my teacher at Cave City and Charlotte. I have a great deal of respect for you both. Never saw Jerry when he wasn't smiling. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.
Samantha Herndon-Hogan
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Ms. Karen and Rex- I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. You guys were always so sweet to me when we lived next door. I will be praying for you guys in the days and weeks ahead.
Cindy and Bill
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
I love all of you with all my heart. Many condolences sent.