Dr. Donald Stanleigh Bright

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Donald Stanleigh Bright, an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated servant to the medical community.

Dr. Donald Stanleigh Bright of Trent Woods, NC passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at the age of 83.

Don was larger than life and had endless energy. His bright smile and sparkling blue eyes lit up every room he entered. He loved nature and the outdoors and was always looking for his next adventure. Don was an avid fisherman, ocean kitesurfer, mountain biker and hiker. He continued to be very active and worked out every day at Golds Gym where he recently completed 900,000 feet climbing the treadwall. Don looked forward to seeing his many friends there.

He dearly loved his family, friends and the many patients he treated for more than fifty years. Don continued to be a volunteer doctor at the Merci Clinic until his death.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rick Gorman, Dr. Michael Casciello, Dr. David Oliver, Dr. Robert Whitmore, and Dr. J. Matt Smith and their wonderful staff for all the care and kindness they gave Don during his recent medical challenges.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Vesley and parents Anath and Margaret Bright.

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia Bright of Trent Woods, NC; children: Angela Hill of Ft. Worth, TX, William (Bill) Wiseman (Vonda) of Greenville, NC and Donald Bright II (Robyn) of St. Augustine, FL; brother, Dr. Charles Bright DDS of Martinsburg, WV, and grandchildren, Megan Bright of St. Augustine, FL, Caden Wiseman of Greenville, NC, Mackenzie Hill of Ft. Worth, TX, Ashley Bright of St. Augustine, FL, Ella Wiseman of Greenville, NC, and Alyssa Hill of Ft. Worth, TX.

Don was born in Washington, D.C. His lifelong dedication to education and service began in his formative years. He graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, in 1959, where he was a Vice President of his class and an accomplished varsity letterman in both football and wrestling, serving as co-captain of the football team. A proud member of the National Honor Society, he graduated in the top 5% of his class.

He continued his pursuit of excellence at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. He was active in campus life, serving as coordinator of the dining hall and a member of the Cannon Club, he claims is the inspiration for the famed “Animal House” movie. His commitment to education continued at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he graduated in the top third of his class in 1967. During medical school, he contributed to several pioneering research projects in the fields of ammonia metabolism, skin graft rejection, and experimental surgery.

Following medical school, Don completed an internship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, followed by a general surgery residency at Duke University Medical Center. In 1969, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He received a pilot's license and was stationed in Vietnam, gaining invaluable experience in orthopaedic and general surgery. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

Don's passion for orthopaedics led him back to Duke University Medical Center for his orthopaedic surgery residency, which he completed in 1975. He contributed to numerous research projects in tendon grafts, nerve replantation, and rehabilitation. His residency included key roles at hospitals and centers in Durham, including Watts Hospital and the Durham Veterans Administration Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident.

In 1975, Dr. Bright accepted a faculty position as Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University Medical Center. He also co-directed the Duke Orthopaedic Replantation Team, treating patients with traumatic amputations of fingers and hands. Over the years, Don became a trusted consultant for the Veterans Administration Hospital, Cabarrus Memorial Hospital, and Crippled Children's Clinic. He played a pivotal role in the development of the Duke Spinal Cord Injury Team and served as Associate Director of the Durham VA Hand Clinic. Don was a gifted teacher and trained countless residents and hand fellows.

In 1980, Don transitioned to a private orthopaedic practice in New Bern, North Carolina, where he continued to serve his patients with compassion and dedication. His expertise in hand surgery and all other orthopaedic treatments made him a trusted figure in the orthopaedic community.

Don was a member of many prestigious medical organizations, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the American Medical Association, among others. His leadership and contributions to the field of orthopaedic surgery earned him the respect and admiration of his peers.

Above all, Dr. Bright was a devoted family man, leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment to his wife, parents, children, grandchildren and extended family. His kindness, wisdom, and generosity will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

A Celebration of Don’s life with Military Honors will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 2 pm at Greenleaf Memorial Park Lakeside Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Epilepsy Foundation, American Heart Association or Nature Conservancy.

Don's memory will live on through the many lives he touched, the countless patients he helped heal, and his enduring contributions to the field of orthopaedic surgery. He will be deeply missed.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Dr. Donald Stanleigh Bright.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com