L.O. (Buzz) Brightbill III

L.O.  “Buzz” Brightbill III passed peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at home, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, on June 20, 1936, to L.O. Brightbill, Jr. and Mary Kennedy Smith.

Buzz earned his bachelors’s degree in industrial management from West Virginia University and graduated from the Advanced Management Program of Harvard Business School, as well as from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

In recognition of his banking experience and dedication to community service, Buzz received numerous honors, including the first recipient of the Outstanding Banker of the Year Award, presented by the Fort Worth Area Bankers Association, and being named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Downtown Fort Worth Rotary Club. Other civic organizations to which Buzz so graciously gave his time and energy include:

United Way of Tarrant County (as Chairman); University of Dallas Board of Trustees; Downtown Fort Worth INC.; North Texas Community Foundation; Forth Worth Convention Center Board; Southwestern Expo and Livestock Board; Main Street Arts Festival; Forth Worth Sister Cities; Boy Scouts of America; and Speedway Childrens Charity. Buzz was also involved in bringing the Texas Motor Speedway to Forth Worth.

Buzz began his professional career at Commercial Credit Corp and then entered banking at Fort Worth National Bank.

From there, Buzz moved to Texas American Bank (Dallas) as CEO.  After four years, he returned to Fort Worth as President of Texas American Bancshares, and remained with Team Bank, Bank One, and JP Morgan Chase Bank.

After retiring, Buzz returned to banking as a Board member at Texas Bank, Southwest Bank, and Simmons Bank.

Buzz was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, and also a member of River Crest Country Club, The Fort Worth Club, The Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Downtown Fort Worth, and Fort Worth Boat Club.

Buzz was preceded in death Ellie Brightbill Burdette (Hugh Carter Burdette) of Fort Worth, and Ann  Brightbill Woodland and Mary Brightbill Small of Boston.

With his faith, family and community at the heart of his existence, Buzz Brightbill was loved and appreciated by family and friends.

Buzz is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Conley Brightbill; children, Mark Brightbill (Pam), Amy Brightbill Cook (Edward), Ann Brightbill Wagenseller (David), and Cynthia Brightbill-Camp; grandchildren, Conley Brightbill (Kate), Elizabeth Matthews (Jessie), Turner Cook (Claire), Courtney Newey (Max), Hudson Wagenseller, Payton Cook (Ally), Samantha Camp, Harrison Camp; and 9 great grandchildren.

A private family service is planned, with a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date for friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in honor of Buzz Brightbill be directed to https://ntcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1293 North Texas Community Foundation 777 Main Street STE 2850 Forth Worth, Texas 76102-4909 www.northtexascf.org or a charity of your choice.