Ronald Lee "Ronnie" Bright, 53, of Knoxville, died suddenly and went to be with our Lord on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009.

He spent his early childhood in St. Charles, Ill. before moving to Riceville, which he considered his hometown. He attended Cleveland State Community College and East Tennessee State University, where he was very active in student government. He was employed by Security Insurance Agency and was a member of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church. He was a devoted husband and father. He loved being around other people and could always make others laugh and smile. He will be truly missed by all those whose lives were touched by him. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Alice Womac Bright.

Survivors include his loving wife, Mae Higgins Bright; one son, Devin Bright; one daughter, Hailey Bright; his father and stepmother, Harrison and Opal Bright; one brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Denise Bright; one brother-in-law, Alan Higgins and his wife, Sara Morrison; and nieces and nephews, Lauren, Megan, Jonathan, Ashley, Charlie, Nathan and Nicholas.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church with funeral services to follow at 6:30 p.m. with the Rev. Jim Dallery officiating. Family and friends will meet by 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at Edgewood Cemetery for a 10 a.m. graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church, 12915 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37934-0922, or to Clear Springs Baptist Church, Decatur Rd., Riceville, TN 37370.

Rose Mortuary, Mann Heritage Chapel, of Knoxville is in charge of arrangements.