Alford Baxter “Buck” Bright III

Published 11:54 am Monday, March 10, 2025

Alford Baxter “Buck” Bright III of Union, SC, died peacefully on March 3, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1941, in Ridley Park, PA, to the late Alford Baxter Bright, Jr and Marie Marshall Bright Poliakoff. 

Buck grew up in Charlotte and Tryon, graduating from Tryon High School in 1959. He was an outstanding athlete, excelling in football, baseball, basketball, track, and equestrian sports. At the age of 18, he was invited to try out for a spot on the 1960 Olympic Equestrian team, but instead chose to attend Duke University on a football scholarship. 

After earning a bachelor’s degree from Wofford College, Buck lived in Gaffney, SC and Spartanburg, SC and spent his career in the textile industry. He served as plant manager for Milliken’s Magnolia Plant before becoming the president of the finishing division for Springs Industries. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, and playing golf with family and friends. 

Buck is survived by his wife Delle Ivey Bright of Union, SC, sister Jeanne Bright Mills (Ambrose) of Tryon, NC, children, Laura Bright Price (Chris) of Mill Spring, NC, Carter Merrick Bright (Tracy) of North Charleston, SC, Alford “Barry” Bright (Elieen) of Spartanburg, SC, and Stephen Bright (April) of Spartanburg, SC, and stepsons Kenneth Henderson (Betsy) and Kevin Henderson (Brooke) of Union, SC, and fourteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

Buck was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. 

In honor of Buck and in support of future hospice patients and their families,  memorial contributions can be made to the Spartanburg Regional Foundation, https://regionalfoundation.com/ways-give/online-giving/hospice.

A private celebration of life for family will be held at a time to be determined.

Submitted by Laura Price