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In Memory of

Bright, Edwin (Ed) Benjamin

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Obituary
Tribute Wall
Obituary of Bright, Edwin (Ed) Benjamin

Early Friday morning on May 1, 2020 Ed took his last breaths at home with his wife, Sheila, by his side.  He had been surrounded each day that week by the people he loved the most – his wife, children, and grandchildren.  All shared stories and expressed their love and even in his weakened state, he showed his sense of humor and he would often say, “I love you, hon.” Ed was born on November 26, 1941 in Waco, TX, but lived his formative years in Lubbock, TX where he graduated from Monterrey HS and Texas Tech University with a degree in Animal Science. Four years of College ROTC provided him a pathway into the U.S. Army as an officer.  Following a 30-year career in the Texas Army National Guard, he retired as Lieutenant Colonel in 1994. In 1966, his career as a County Extension Agent –Texas A&M University began with 2 years in Navarro County and an additional 35 years in Dallas County.  This was the longest any County Extension Agent served Dallas County. Ed was head of 4-H in Dallas County, which involved organizing new clubs, training volunteer leaders and working with youth in all aspects of 4-H.  As a result of his work, he was recognized in the following ways:   Distinguished Service Award - National Agricultural Agents Association, Distinguished Service Award - National 4-H Agents Association and Search for Excellence Award - Texas A&M University.  He was Founder and First President of the Texas 4-H Agents Association and upon retirement in 2003, Ed was granted Emeritus status from Texas A&M.  In addition to his work, Ed acquired his Masters Degree in Education from A&M. Volunteering was important to Ed and that continued in retirement.  In 1996, he organized, helped incorporate, and served as president for 10 years of NPNA, a voluntary neighborhood organization serving 1189 households.  Crime watch and prevention were a strong interest and he was currently serving as Vice President – Crime Watch. With this job came the opportunity to meet some of the city’s finest police officers from the NW Division of the Dallas PD. Along with three others, he founded District 13 Crime Watch, which includes crime watch representatives from most neighborhoods in the NW Police Division.  The group supports and assists the police department, as well as District 13 City Council Representative.  He was a community representative to a management council for the neighborhood elementary school, member of various committees at church, and was appointed to the city’s Red Light Commission and Dallas County’s Trail and Preserve Program (TAPP) Board. TAPP studied and planned the jogging/walking/biking trails that are being enjoyed in NPNA and other areas of the county today. Ed was preceded in death by his first wife of 21 years, Paula George Bright; parents Olly and Jean Rhea Street Bright; brothers-in-law Jim White and John George; and nephew Donnie White. He is survived by the following:  His wife of 29 years, Sheila George Bright, along with 3 special daughters and spouses – Laurie and Jeff Page, Lisa and Mike Gill, and Leslie and Forrest McKinney.  His grandchildren were the highlight of his life and include granddaughters Carson Gill, Sophie and Violette McKinney, and grandson Michael Page. Also included are his sweet sister and spouse, Harry and Barbara Bright Hopton; his two sisters-in-law, Conde George White and Jaye Cunningham George; nephews Scott and Rusty George, Stephen Hopton and nieces Kelley Hopton Mansfield, Wendie White Woodward and Jennie George Strozier; 12 great nieces and nephews and 2 great great nephews and a great great niece. Family was very special to him. Other things Ed liked were his friends, our ranch, homemade ice cream, sports, helping others, old country music, talk radio, guns and antique duck decoys and their history, spearmint gum, hot sauce, old western shows, history, Thanksgiving, funny sayings of which he had many, his denim shorts year round, homemade vegetable beef soup, hunting, fishing and life in general! A private interment will be held at Brights 3L Ranch and a celebration of life/memorial service will be scheduled as soon as the church opens and will allow a larger gathering of people. If you would like to honor the memory of Edwin B. Bright, his family requests that contributions be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Multiple Myeloma Moon Shot, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/moonshots Other options include Royal Lane Baptist Church, Youth and Children Programs, 6707 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75230 or a charity of your choice. Bright Family PO Box 781022 Dallas, TX  75378 Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.

Tribute Wall of Bright, Edwin (Ed) Benjamin

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  1. Andy Anderson says:

    Ed Bright was a giant of of a man with a heart that was just as big. We became acquainted with Ed and Shelia through the Austin’s Care Group.Ed was one who could make you feel like a special friend within a few minutes of meeting him.He was a kind, gentle, and caring person. It was obvious he had a great love for Shelia and his family. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing he is now in the hands of his loving heavenly Father.
    Andy & Carol Anderson

    Andy Anderson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed Bright was a giant of of a man with a heart that was just as big. We became acquainted with Ed and Shelia through the Austin's Care Group.Ed was one who could make you feel like a special friend within a few minutes of meeting him.He was a kind, gentle, and caring person. It was obvious he had a great love for Shelia and his family. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing he is now in the hands of his loving heavenly Father.
    Andy & Carol Anderson

  2. Nancy E Allison says:

    We are so sorry to learn of Ed’s illness and death. When I was a young youth minister at RLBC, Ed and Paula took good care of me in so many ways. I am grateful for their amazing daughters Laurie, Lisa and Leslie and the reflections they are of their parents.
    Ed’s final gift of love for us when we left Dallas to head to Liberia was to sell my blue VW Jetta. He got a great price for it and saved us the headache of negotiations.
    I am so grateful to you Sheila for the gifts you brought to the family and my prayers are with each of you as you celebrate his amazing life and grieve the loss of his everyday influence. Hugs from NC!
    Nancy and Dale

    Nancy E Allison

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We are so sorry to learn of Ed's illness and death. When I was a young youth minister at RLBC, Ed and Paula took good care of me in so many ways. I am grateful for their amazing daughters Laurie, Lisa and Leslie and the reflections they are of their parents.
    Ed's final gift of love for us when we left Dallas to head to Liberia was to sell my blue VW Jetta. He got a great price for it and saved us the headache of negotiations.
    I am so grateful to you Sheila for the gifts you brought to the family and my prayers are with each of you as you celebrate his amazing life and grieve the loss of his everyday influence. Hugs from NC!
    Nancy and Dale

  3. Angelia Broughton says:

    I’m so grateful to have enjoyed a little of what you (family) all experienced daily. Mr. Ed will forever be in my heart and all the needed advice he gave plays a part in my everyday life. He was genuine, funny, loving and an amazing man. My heavenly friend I will miss you dearly. Love you all. Angelia Broughton

    Angelia Broughton

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I'm so grateful to have enjoyed a little of what you (family) all experienced daily. Mr. Ed will forever be in my heart and all the needed advice he gave plays a part in my everyday life. He was genuine, funny, loving and an amazing man. My heavenly friend I will miss you dearly. Love you all. Angelia Broughton

  4. Patsy/Don Meier says:

    Dear Bright Family: We are so thankful you entered our lives in the early 70’s via Royal Lane. Ed and Paula hosted us to a memorable dinner with Ed cooking steaks on the grill just before we departed for Nigeria. We took the memory of that delicious steak with us and often reminisced about that evening when we were eating beef in Nigeria that had been well exercised. Memories abound of Ed and the family and the joy all of your have brought to us and to so many others. I am a graduate of the Tennessee 4-H program and Ed and I enjoyed many conversations about the merits of 4-H. Love. Patsy for the entire Meier family.

    Patsy/Don Meier

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Dear Bright Family: We are so thankful you entered our lives in the early 70’s via Royal Lane. Ed and Paula hosted us to a memorable dinner with Ed cooking steaks on the grill just before we departed for Nigeria. We took the memory of that delicious steak with us and often reminisced about that evening when we were eating beef in Nigeria that had been well exercised. Memories abound of Ed and the family and the joy all of your have brought to us and to so many others. I am a graduate of the Tennessee 4-H program and Ed and I enjoyed many conversations about the merits of 4-H. Love. Patsy for the entire Meier family.

  5. Alice Ann Allen Parsons says:

    To Ed’s Family, I enjoyed meeting Ed while a volunteer for the Dallas County Extension Service. So sorry for your loss. He was a fountain of information about his 4 H students. He will be missed. Warm regards, Alice ^j^

    Alice Ann Allen Parsons

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    To Ed's Family, I enjoyed meeting Ed while a volunteer for the Dallas County Extension Service. So sorry for your loss. He was a fountain of information about his 4 H students. He will be missed. Warm regards, Alice ^j^

  6. Sharon Vickrey says:

    Ed was one of the first people we met when we went to the Halloween Party the weekend that we visited Royal Lane in view of a call for Ray to be the new pastor. I just remember how kind he was. When I think of Ed I think kindness.

    Sharon Vickrey

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed was one of the first people we met when we went to the Halloween Party the weekend that we visited Royal Lane in view of a call for Ray to be the new pastor. I just remember how kind he was. When I think of Ed I think kindness.

  7. Jamie and Meliss Walker-Luckett says:

    We remember talking with Ed about tomatoes and gardening. He helped us with advise about land “always a great investment if you don’t need money right away”. We will miss Ed for his friendship.

    Jamie and Meliss Walker-Luckett

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We remember talking with Ed about tomatoes and gardening. He helped us with advise about land "always a great investment if you don't need money right away". We will miss Ed for his friendship.

  8. Bill Melton says:

    Condolences on Ed’s passing. It was always a pleasure to work with him at Dallas County relative to the Extension Service. God Bless Ed!

    Bill Melton

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Condolences on Ed's passing. It was always a pleasure to work with him at Dallas County relative to the Extension Service. God Bless Ed!

  9. Linda Elliott says:

    Dear Sheila, Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts as you go through the difficult days ahead. I am so glad we got to visit with Ed in July in Lubbock at the 60th reunion of the Class of 1959 from Monterey High School.

    Linda Elliott

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Dear Sheila, Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts as you go through the difficult days ahead. I am so glad we got to visit with Ed in July in Lubbock at the 60th reunion of the Class of 1959 from Monterey High School.

  10. Linda Elliott says:

    In July, 2020 we all got to visit with Ed in Lubbock at our 60th High School Reunion.

    Linda Elliott

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    In July, 2020 we all got to visit with Ed in Lubbock at our 60th High School Reunion.

  11. Casey Eakin says:

    Ed was a great man and friend. I enjoyed talking cows, hunting, fishing, and politics. He was wise and principled. He loved my wife Jodie and son Chase. He found pleasure in others happiness. Loosing him is a terrible loss, but I know where he is now has greener pastures, happy cattle, trophy bucks, strutting toms, and stock ponds that don’t go dry. The truck will always crank, the sky will always be blue, and will not want for anything. Happy trails good buddy. I love ya big guy! To family, I thank you for sharing Ed with me. I pray a hedge of peace and comfort over all of you. Guns up and wreck ‘em Tech!

    Casey Eakin

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed was a great man and friend. I enjoyed talking cows, hunting, fishing, and politics. He was wise and principled. He loved my wife Jodie and son Chase. He found pleasure in others happiness. Loosing him is a terrible loss, but I know where he is now has greener pastures, happy cattle, trophy bucks, strutting toms, and stock ponds that don’t go dry. The truck will always crank, the sky will always be blue, and will not want for anything. Happy trails good buddy. I love ya big guy! To family, I thank you for sharing Ed with me. I pray a hedge of peace and comfort over all of you. Guns up and wreck ‘em Tech!

  12. Shelley Mulry says:

    I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Bright’s passing. The whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you all close in His loving embrace.

    Shelley Mulry

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Bright's passing. The whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you all close in His loving embrace.

  13. Cookie Stokes says:

    I loved reading all about Ed, never knew his full name, and you have all shared his story in words and deeds. I will share this one characteristic that I think you will agree with. I had asked Ed for advice and help with my climbing rose bushes. I was hoping that he would show me how to do it. He gave me a couple of pointers, but he wanted me to do it myself. Now that I know his specialty was with animals and not horticulture that makes more sense, too. I love you all.

    Cookie Stokes

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I loved reading all about Ed, never knew his full name, and you have all shared his story in words and deeds. I will share this one characteristic that I think you will agree with. I had asked Ed for advice and help with my climbing rose bushes. I was hoping that he would show me how to do it. He gave me a couple of pointers, but he wanted me to do it myself. Now that I know his specialty was with animals and not horticulture that makes more sense, too. I love you all.

  14. Alan Ratliff says:

    From teenage years and from time to time, over the many years, we share some blessed time. I shall remember his strength of courage, spiritual belief , and. Caring for friends, family, and family.
    We celebrate his life!

    Alan Ratliff

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    From teenage years and from time to time, over the many years, we share some blessed time. I shall remember his strength of courage, spiritual belief , and. Caring for friends, family, and family.
    We celebrate his life!

  15. Laurence & Janet Schultz says:

    Ed was more than just a friend, he and his family have been our family! We love you Ed and we will continue to love your family. We know you are resting well now.

    Laurence & Janet Schultz

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed was more than just a friend, he and his family have been our family! We love you Ed and we will continue to love your family. We know you are resting well now.

15 thoughts on “Bright, Edwin (Ed) Benjamin”

  1. Ed Bright was a giant of of a man with a heart that was just as big. We became acquainted with Ed and Shelia through the Austin’s Care Group.Ed was one who could make you feel like a special friend within a few minutes of meeting him.He was a kind, gentle, and caring person. It was obvious he had a great love for Shelia and his family. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing he is now in the hands of his loving heavenly Father.
    Andy & Carol Anderson

    Andy Anderson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed Bright was a giant of of a man with a heart that was just as big. We became acquainted with Ed and Shelia through the Austin's Care Group.Ed was one who could make you feel like a special friend within a few minutes of meeting him.He was a kind, gentle, and caring person. It was obvious he had a great love for Shelia and his family. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing he is now in the hands of his loving heavenly Father.
    Andy & Carol Anderson

  2. We are so sorry to learn of Ed’s illness and death. When I was a young youth minister at RLBC, Ed and Paula took good care of me in so many ways. I am grateful for their amazing daughters Laurie, Lisa and Leslie and the reflections they are of their parents.
    Ed’s final gift of love for us when we left Dallas to head to Liberia was to sell my blue VW Jetta. He got a great price for it and saved us the headache of negotiations.
    I am so grateful to you Sheila for the gifts you brought to the family and my prayers are with each of you as you celebrate his amazing life and grieve the loss of his everyday influence. Hugs from NC!
    Nancy and Dale

    Nancy E Allison

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We are so sorry to learn of Ed's illness and death. When I was a young youth minister at RLBC, Ed and Paula took good care of me in so many ways. I am grateful for their amazing daughters Laurie, Lisa and Leslie and the reflections they are of their parents.
    Ed's final gift of love for us when we left Dallas to head to Liberia was to sell my blue VW Jetta. He got a great price for it and saved us the headache of negotiations.
    I am so grateful to you Sheila for the gifts you brought to the family and my prayers are with each of you as you celebrate his amazing life and grieve the loss of his everyday influence. Hugs from NC!
    Nancy and Dale

  3. Angelia Broughton

    I’m so grateful to have enjoyed a little of what you (family) all experienced daily. Mr. Ed will forever be in my heart and all the needed advice he gave plays a part in my everyday life. He was genuine, funny, loving and an amazing man. My heavenly friend I will miss you dearly. Love you all. Angelia Broughton

    Angelia Broughton

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I'm so grateful to have enjoyed a little of what you (family) all experienced daily. Mr. Ed will forever be in my heart and all the needed advice he gave plays a part in my everyday life. He was genuine, funny, loving and an amazing man. My heavenly friend I will miss you dearly. Love you all. Angelia Broughton

  4. Dear Bright Family: We are so thankful you entered our lives in the early 70’s via Royal Lane. Ed and Paula hosted us to a memorable dinner with Ed cooking steaks on the grill just before we departed for Nigeria. We took the memory of that delicious steak with us and often reminisced about that evening when we were eating beef in Nigeria that had been well exercised. Memories abound of Ed and the family and the joy all of your have brought to us and to so many others. I am a graduate of the Tennessee 4-H program and Ed and I enjoyed many conversations about the merits of 4-H. Love. Patsy for the entire Meier family.

    Patsy/Don Meier

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Dear Bright Family: We are so thankful you entered our lives in the early 70’s via Royal Lane. Ed and Paula hosted us to a memorable dinner with Ed cooking steaks on the grill just before we departed for Nigeria. We took the memory of that delicious steak with us and often reminisced about that evening when we were eating beef in Nigeria that had been well exercised. Memories abound of Ed and the family and the joy all of your have brought to us and to so many others. I am a graduate of the Tennessee 4-H program and Ed and I enjoyed many conversations about the merits of 4-H. Love. Patsy for the entire Meier family.

  5. Alice Ann Allen Parsons

    To Ed’s Family, I enjoyed meeting Ed while a volunteer for the Dallas County Extension Service. So sorry for your loss. He was a fountain of information about his 4 H students. He will be missed. Warm regards, Alice ^j^

    Alice Ann Allen Parsons

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    To Ed's Family, I enjoyed meeting Ed while a volunteer for the Dallas County Extension Service. So sorry for your loss. He was a fountain of information about his 4 H students. He will be missed. Warm regards, Alice ^j^

  6. Ed was one of the first people we met when we went to the Halloween Party the weekend that we visited Royal Lane in view of a call for Ray to be the new pastor. I just remember how kind he was. When I think of Ed I think kindness.

    Sharon Vickrey

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed was one of the first people we met when we went to the Halloween Party the weekend that we visited Royal Lane in view of a call for Ray to be the new pastor. I just remember how kind he was. When I think of Ed I think kindness.

  7. Jamie and Meliss Walker-Luckett

    We remember talking with Ed about tomatoes and gardening. He helped us with advise about land “always a great investment if you don’t need money right away”. We will miss Ed for his friendship.

    Jamie and Meliss Walker-Luckett

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We remember talking with Ed about tomatoes and gardening. He helped us with advise about land "always a great investment if you don't need money right away". We will miss Ed for his friendship.

  8. Condolences on Ed’s passing. It was always a pleasure to work with him at Dallas County relative to the Extension Service. God Bless Ed!

    Bill Melton

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Condolences on Ed's passing. It was always a pleasure to work with him at Dallas County relative to the Extension Service. God Bless Ed!

  9. Dear Sheila, Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts as you go through the difficult days ahead. I am so glad we got to visit with Ed in July in Lubbock at the 60th reunion of the Class of 1959 from Monterey High School.

    Linda Elliott

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Dear Sheila, Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts as you go through the difficult days ahead. I am so glad we got to visit with Ed in July in Lubbock at the 60th reunion of the Class of 1959 from Monterey High School.

  10. In July, 2020 we all got to visit with Ed in Lubbock at our 60th High School Reunion.

    Linda Elliott

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    In July, 2020 we all got to visit with Ed in Lubbock at our 60th High School Reunion.

  11. Ed was a great man and friend. I enjoyed talking cows, hunting, fishing, and politics. He was wise and principled. He loved my wife Jodie and son Chase. He found pleasure in others happiness. Loosing him is a terrible loss, but I know where he is now has greener pastures, happy cattle, trophy bucks, strutting toms, and stock ponds that don’t go dry. The truck will always crank, the sky will always be blue, and will not want for anything. Happy trails good buddy. I love ya big guy! To family, I thank you for sharing Ed with me. I pray a hedge of peace and comfort over all of you. Guns up and wreck ‘em Tech!

    Casey Eakin

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed was a great man and friend. I enjoyed talking cows, hunting, fishing, and politics. He was wise and principled. He loved my wife Jodie and son Chase. He found pleasure in others happiness. Loosing him is a terrible loss, but I know where he is now has greener pastures, happy cattle, trophy bucks, strutting toms, and stock ponds that don’t go dry. The truck will always crank, the sky will always be blue, and will not want for anything. Happy trails good buddy. I love ya big guy! To family, I thank you for sharing Ed with me. I pray a hedge of peace and comfort over all of you. Guns up and wreck ‘em Tech!

  12. I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Bright’s passing. The whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you all close in His loving embrace.

    Shelley Mulry

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Bright's passing. The whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you all close in His loving embrace.

  13. I loved reading all about Ed, never knew his full name, and you have all shared his story in words and deeds. I will share this one characteristic that I think you will agree with. I had asked Ed for advice and help with my climbing rose bushes. I was hoping that he would show me how to do it. He gave me a couple of pointers, but he wanted me to do it myself. Now that I know his specialty was with animals and not horticulture that makes more sense, too. I love you all.

    Cookie Stokes

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I loved reading all about Ed, never knew his full name, and you have all shared his story in words and deeds. I will share this one characteristic that I think you will agree with. I had asked Ed for advice and help with my climbing rose bushes. I was hoping that he would show me how to do it. He gave me a couple of pointers, but he wanted me to do it myself. Now that I know his specialty was with animals and not horticulture that makes more sense, too. I love you all.

  14. From teenage years and from time to time, over the many years, we share some blessed time. I shall remember his strength of courage, spiritual belief , and. Caring for friends, family, and family.
    We celebrate his life!

    Alan Ratliff

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    From teenage years and from time to time, over the many years, we share some blessed time. I shall remember his strength of courage, spiritual belief , and. Caring for friends, family, and family.
    We celebrate his life!

  15. Laurence & Janet Schultz

    Ed was more than just a friend, he and his family have been our family! We love you Ed and we will continue to love your family. We know you are resting well now.

    Laurence & Janet Schultz

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Ed was more than just a friend, he and his family have been our family! We love you Ed and we will continue to love your family. We know you are resting well now.

Leave a Reply to Bill Melton

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share A Message Or Condolence

Add Photo Memories with Bright,

The maximum upload file size: 100 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here