Jerald "Jerry" Ernest Bright, 81, of Columbia, died on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Born on September 30, 1943, in San Antonio, TX, he was a son of the late Sterrell Jasper Bright and Myrtle Weeks Bright.

Jerry was a graduate of Dreher High School and later earned his bachelor's degree from The University of South Carolina. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for four decades with SCE&G and SCANA. Jerry loved being outdoors and enjoyed all the splendors of nature. Jerry was an avid photographer and had a passion for nature photography. Some of his favorite outdoors activities included hiking, sailing, flying, and biking. Jerry was a South Carolina Master Naturalist, a barbeque judge, and held his private pilot license. He was a member of the Columbia Rotary Club, Lake Murray Sailing Club, and the Carolina Jazz Society.

Survivors include his brother, David Bright, Sr. (Ann) of Tucson, AZ; stepchildren, Amber Fowler (Andrew) of Columbia, Carol Fisher (Chris) of Swansea, and Guy Earl Johnson, Jr. (Elizabeth) of Columbia. He also leaves behind his nephew, David Bright, Jr. (Vanessa) of Alexandria, VA; niece, Betsy Morgan (Dave) of Tucson, AZ, as well as a multitude of grandchildren, great nieces, and great nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Thompson Bright; infant son, Ernie, and stepson, William Simpson.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Thursday, October 2nd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia, SC.

Memorials may be sent to Friends of the Congaree Swamp, PO Box 7746, Columbia, SC 29202 or Congaree Land Trust, PO Box 5232 Columbia, SC 29250.