Michael H. Brightwell, Jr.

Michael Mike Henretta Brightwell, Jr., 52, of Salem, Va., passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Lewis Gale Medical Center. He was born on January 26, 1968, in Adams, Mass. to the late Michael H. Brightwell, Sr. and Kathleen Gallagher Brightwell. While it is obviously impossible to summarize Mikes life in just a few short paragraphs, it can however be simply explained with two words: Gentle Giant. It is no secret that his great many friends, brothers in uniform, and even some he met on the wrong side of the law, have a deep love and respect for the man Mike was. He achieved numerous titles during his lifetime. Some knew him as Lieutenant; some as Coach. To others, he was the Kettle Corn Man. He was Dad, Sir, or simply Mike, but all who knew him called him friend! He could be stern and gentle within the same conversation. Mike genuinely cared for everyone and had a way of getting his point across while still making you feel sincerely cared for. While Mike was certainly a humble man who did not seek praise, or thought of as being boastful, it is imperative to recognize his tremendous work ethic and dedication to anything he set his mind to. Mike understood that the value of hard work and a willing heart is the only way to genuinely achieve anything in this world. Being the unselfish person that he was, Mike made sure to teach these qualities to his son, to those he coached both on the field and within the department, as well as others he felt led to share with. He worked his way up through the ranks in the Salem Police Department, beginning his career in August of 1989. Mike achieved the rank of Senior Police Officer, Sergeant, and last but certainly not least, Lieutenant before retiring in June of 2018. Throughout his career, he served in numerous capacities, such as General instructor, defensive tactics instructor, having taught hundreds of new officers; as well as serving on the departments Emergency Response Team where he later became supervisor over the team. Aside from his career, Mike became known as Coach while assisting and supporting his sons desire to play Lacrosse. He was one of the founders, and later became President, of the Salem Lacrosse Foundation, serving from 2007 until 2017. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and simply being outdoors, but he will be remembered most as a loving husband, father, brother, and friend to many. Mike will be greatly missed! Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 30 years, Tina Wright Brightwell; son, Michael H. Brightwell, III; sisters, Tammie Brightwell, Kellie Brightwell Delk, April Light; Brother in law James K. Delk, Jr.; mother-in-law, Faye Ferguson; and numerous nieces, aunts, uncles and friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., and again from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey and Son funeral home in Salem. Due to Covid 19 restrictions and to allow for larger accommodations, Allen Lawrence has graciously offered to the family Haley Toyota Field, home of the Salem Red Sox, to honor and celebrate Mikes life. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 11 a.m., at Haley Toyota Field. Graveside services at Sherwood will be private. Face masks, with the exception for medical purposes, as well as social distancing will be required. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com Service Details. Visitation When Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 2:00pm - 4:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Second Visitation When Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Funeral Service When Thursday, June 25th, 2020 11:00am Location Haley Toyota Field - Home of the Salem Red Sox Address 1008 Texas Street Salem, Virginia 24153 Interment When Thursday, June 25th, 2020 11:00am Location Sherwood Memorial Park Address 1250 East Main Street Salem, Virginia 24153