SUFFOLK — John Robert Bright, 83, passed away March 13, 2014, at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was born Dec. 7, 1930, in Chowan County, N.C., to the late Johnnie M. Bright and Edith Parks Bright.

John graduated from Chuckatuck High School in 1948 and served in the Virginia National Guard. He was in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 thru 1952. John worked in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as an electronics mechanic, nuclear electrical/electronic inspector and an electrical/electronic planner and estimator. He then continued work for the Naval Supply System as a contracting officer’s technical representative until retirement on Jan. 2, 1986.

He was a member of Magnolia United Methodist Church from 1950 to the present. He was also active in the Magnolia Ruritan Club, Suffolk Post No. 57 of the American Legion, Virginia America Legion Boys State, active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, the Suffolk Red Cross, active blood donor with more than 21 gallons given and a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Suffolk Chapter 1743.

John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Vera Jakeman Bright; sons, Arthur M. Bright and wife Faye, John A. Bright and wife Lynn, Steven L. Bright and wife Deborah; seven grandchildren, Henry, Arthur, Cabel, Seth, Joshua, Samantha, Thomas and his wife Jena.

A funeral will be conducted Monday, March 17, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Magnolia United Methodist Church, 1764 Wilroy Road, Suffolk, VA 23434, with the Rev. Doris V. Byrd-Madison officiating followed with interment at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434 on Sunday, March 16, 2014, from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Magnolia United Methodist Church. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.