Harrell Bright

    

       Harrell Gene Bright, 84, of Poteau, OK passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020 in Tulsa, OK.  Harrell was born August 30, 1936 in Poteau to Cecil & Edna (Pickle) Bright. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Poteau.  Harrell’s accomplishments are many.  He was principal at Poteau High School before going to Carl Albert Junior College at Dept. Head for two divisions, Social & Behavioral Sciences as well as Communications & Fine Arts retiring from there in 1993.  He taught graduate level economics at Southeastern State University for three summers.   He was a member and board chairman of the LeFlore County Equalization & Excise Board Harrell was Poteau Man of the Year in 1987 & received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.  He was a Paul Harris Fellow in Poteau Rotary Club. He retired as Fire Chief of Poteau Fire Dept. (1960-94).  He was a graduate of National Fire Academy in 7 areas; instructed Fire Service Training at OSU for 20 years, also serving on the State Fire Marshall Commission and serving on every committee in State Fire Fighters Assoc.   Harrell was a past Mayor of the City of Poteau, a member of the PHS Athletic Hall of Fame in basketball.  He and Wayne Plummer were partners in Plummer-Bright Ins. for 23 years.  Harrell had a passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing (evidenced by many trophies in his home) and gardening (giving away tons of vegetables over the years). He was preceded in death by his sister, Sue Weatherford.

          Survivors include his son, Jeffrey G. Bright & granddaughter, Jaclyn Bright of Broken Arrow, OK; niece Sherrie & Mike Hulse & family all of Tulsa, OK; niece Shelly Weatherford of Overland Park, KS; other relatives, loved ones and many beloved friends.

          Private family services were held.     Pallbearers – Bob Carter, Rick Couri, Jon Pickel, Bill Hoffman, Gene Wheat.  Honorary pallbearers – Max Rowley, Bob Lindstrom, Bert Corr, Ed Abernathy, Wayne Plummer, Kelly Hughes.

          **Donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Poteau or Carl Albert Development Foundation.