Dennis Ray Bright

The family wishes to invite friends and family to gather, fellowship and remember Dennis Monday evening, July 22, 2024 from 6pm to 9pm at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home in Odessa. Memorial services will commence at Noon on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at First Odessa Baptist Church, located at 709 N. Lee Avenue with close family friend, Pastor Kyle Rodgers officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Dennis was born August 30, 1948 to Raymond Frank and Mattie Modean Bright in Lubbock, Texas. Dennis was one of four very onry boys and remained close to his brothers throughout his life. Dennis, David, Bobby and Rocky shared many stories about growing up and finding their way in life over the years, most stories involving more than a few laughs.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents. His youngest son, John Dennis Bright, was also called Home in 2023. We rejoice and find peace in knowing they are together, reunited in Heaven with our Good Lord.

Dennis is survived by his brothers, David Bright and wife Norma, Bobby Bright and wife Jennie, and Rocky Bright and wife Angela. He also leaves his surviving children, daughter Ginger Raye Corey and husband Scott, son Houston Dean Bright and wife Brittany, and his daughter Robyn Brooke Bright. Dennis is blessed with many grandchildren - Cameron Corey, Kinsey Corey, Tiffany Goolsby, Steffany Corey, Kaleigh Haskell, Aiden Toscano, Dallas Bright, and Cash Bright. As well as great grandchildren, Briella Spinelli, Evan King, Nolan Goolsby, Jace Arias, Katherine Haskell and Claire Haskell, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Dennis took pride in holding those he loved close to him.

Dennis proudly enlisted and served in the United States Army during Vietnam, with the 4th Infantry Division, in the Central Highlands area. He was highly decorated, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star Medal. His love of country and enthusiastic pride in his patriotism remained constant throughout his life.

Dennis was a graduate of Odessa High School and later attended and graduated from University of Texas Permian Basin. He went on to work as a Patrol Sergeant for the Odessa Police Department. He served many years as Justice of the Peace Precinct #2 in Ector County where he retired, and worked with the Ector County Sheriff’s Office following his retirement.

Dennis’s genuine love of country and people made him loved and adored by all who knew him. He was the most giving man, always willing to help anyone in any way needed. He had a very funny, dry sense of humor and came up with some of the most absurd jokes, which were always funny (and we laughed even when they weren’t). He loved playing jokes on people, as much as he loved telling his jokes.

Dennis loved to travel, hit the shooting range, hunt and fish and read the latest crime novel. He was a huge fan of Elvis Presley, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and The Big Bopper. He loved watching movies, late night phone conversations with his kids and trying out the newest restaurant.

Dennis will be truly missed and forever loved and remembered by all who knew him.