John Bright Jernigan, Jr., August 19, 1964 – November 5, 2022. With extremely heavy hearts, the family of John Bright Jernigan, Jr. announce his untimely death on November 5th, 2022, at the too young age of 58. He was born in Charlotte NC as the first child of John B. and Charlotte M. Jernigan, who preceded him in death in 2008 and 2014. He is survived by his longtime loving companion Karen McCalla who was with him to the very end, his son, Wesley Bright Jernigan (Amanda), daughter Elizabeth Wells (Nathan), two grandchildren, his brother Taylor Jernigan (Amber), his sister Avery Murphree (Jed), and brother Richard Jernigan (Andrea), as well as many loving uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Growing up, John was an accomplished swimmer, holding many city and state records, and winning numerous championships at many levels. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1983, and attended the University of Alabama, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. John also proudly served in the USMC reserves. After college and the Marines, John worked for many years in the aerospace industry for Boeing and United Launch Alliance.
John was an extremely loving and kind man. He cared greatly for his family and was never shy to tell you how much he loved you. He was a voracious reader all his life, loved all kinds of music, and shared those passions with his many friends. He had a quick wit and could spin up a story or a memory like no other. He was also uncommonly strong in his youth, and many of his “feats of strength” among his friends could not be duplicated. He is gone much too soon and will be greatly missed. A celebration of life service will be held at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home in Athens, Alabama on Friday, November 11 at 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Epilepsy Society.
