George A. Brightwell

George Arthur Brightwelll, Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 14, 2015. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2015 beginning at 6:00 in the evening, at Vance-Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA. 31907.

After graduation from Columbus High School, George Brightwell attended military school at North Georgia College in Dahlonega where he was battalion commander. He received a scholarship from the University of Georgia majoring in fine arts. He was a true Georgia Bulldog, played football at UGA and never lost his enthusiasm for college football. After graduation, he became a commercial artist. He was turned down for army active duty, due to asthma. But he served anyway, spending a year at Fort Benning, doing the artwork for army training manuals.

His business career began in the art department of the Hecht Co., in Washington, D.C., where he met his first wife Joy, a fashion illustrator. Along with his artistic talents, he modeled for the company and also sang the nightclub circuit He loved music, often singing and whistling wherever he went.

He joined his father in the shoe business in 1951 where they leased the department of Kiralfy's in Columbus. He owned George A. Brightwell, Inc. and opened stores in Macon, GA, Opelika and Auburn, AL. His community memberships included the Rotary Club and the Columbus Artist's Guild.

His great love for animals was evident in his care for his numerous pets and his tamed American River otter, Keelie. She was the talk of the town for many years. George was an avid swimmer, diver, hand and racket-ball player, fencer and fly-fisherman. His talents were many, but what set him apart was his controlled energy, excitement, his charming, exuberant personality that included everyone at first meeting. He had a true zest for life and the gift of GAB.

George is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Clyde Brightwell; wife Joy Brightwell; and brother Nelson Brightwell.

Survivors include, daughters, Lisa Joy Wright (Richard), Laura Kim Dixon, and Tracy Lyn Brightwell; grandchildren, Coree Sewell (Katie), Joy Downes (Tim), Lori Dixon (Shawn), Jackson Acre, Whitley Acre, Kayleigh Acre; great grandchild, Amilia Sewell; stepsons, Kevin Acre (Samantha), Jason Acre (Christie), and their mother Delight McCollum; extended family James Dixon and many other loving relatives and caring friends.

Special thank you is rendered to the staff of Summer's Landing and Gentiva Hospice. Flowers accepted or memorials to the Columbus PAWS Humane Society (www.pawshumane.org) or Gentiva Hospice (www.columbus.gentivahospice.com)