Elzie Milton Brightwell, Jr.

Elzie Milton Brightwell, Jr., affectionately known as "Tom," was born on July 19, 1935, in Washington, D.C., and peacefully passed away at home on January 2, 2026. He was the beloved son of the late Elzie M. and Inez Brightwell.

Tom spent his early years in Suitland, Maryland. At the age of twelve, he began working alongside his father in the greenhouse at Keir Brothers Nursery. During his teenage years, he held positions at Sinclair gas station and later became a manager at a Shell gas station. After graduating from Suitland High School, Tom worked for the American Red Cross in the Blood Mobile Unit.

On June 8, 1958, Tom married Delores Richardson Brightwell. Shortly after their marriage, he enlisted in the Air National Guard. Over the next six years, he served as both a Communications Officer and an Air Traffic Controller, first at Lackland Air Force Base and then with the DC Air National Guard.

In 1961, Tom continued his service in the DC Air National Guard while also beginning his career as a Montgomery County Police Officer. He was with the traffic squad before joining the Motor Unit. He also worked as a traffic Sergeant and in headquarters during his distinguished 25-year law enforcement career. During this period, Tom also worked part-time at Hillandale Hardware in Colesville, Maryland.

Tom pursued higher education alongside his professional career. In 1976, he graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Law Enforcement, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and public service.

After retiring from the Montgomery County Police Department in 1986, Tom became Police Chief at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Division of Safety, in Bethesda, Maryland. Over the next eleven years, he led the transformation of the Security Guard unit into a full-service police agency and implemented numerous improvements that enhanced security at NIH. Tom retired from NIH in 1997.

Tom was known for his outgoing, cheerful, and fun-loving nature, which he carried into his retirement. Tom loved the Lord and shared his faith with others. He was respected by his peers for his strong moral character and easily befriended strangers. Tom delighted in spending time with family and friends and looked forward to monthly breakfasts and lunches with former officers, co-workers, and friends. He was also active in his church community, especially enjoying the monthly food drop.

During his retirement, Tom took pleasure in lawn mowing and found great satisfaction in his outdoor routine. He was always eager to engage in conversations, sharing stories and listening to others, whether with family, neighbors, or new acquaintances. These moments of connection were a testament to his approachable and friendly nature.

Throughout his life, Tom was admired for his dedication to family, his commitment to service, and his positive outlook. He cherished the time spent with loved ones and friends, and his legacy of kindness, leadership, and community spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Tom's legacy lives on through his four children: Steven (Karen), Susan Brightwell Free, Brenda Shaw (Preston), and Jeffrey (Ella). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Dallas (Sara) Selby, Ashley (Steven) Crncic, Denali Free (Connor Timms), Rachel Brightwell, Blake, Preston Jr., Ty, and Sawyer Shaw, as well as great-grandchildren: Aaron and Nathan Selby, Easton and Tyleigh Brightwell, Brantley Miller, and Tessa and Atlas Crncic. Additionally, Tom is survived by step-grandchildren Paul, Kevin, and Katelin Williams, step-great-grandchildren Paisley, Brayden Jordon, and Dylan (Leslie) Free, and step-great-great-grandchildren Camden and Olivia Free. His family-both immediate and extended-was a continual source of pride and joy throughout his life.

Tom was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Delores (Dody) Richardson Brightwell; his parents, Elzie M. and Inez Brightwell; his sister, Margaret (Margie) Kelly-Padgett; brother-in-law, Joseph Kelly; grandson, Joshua Free; son-in-law, Harry E Free; and step-grandson, Harry E Free, II.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 on Wednesday, January 14,, at Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713.

A church service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 15, at Faith Baptist Church with a time of visitation an hour prior to service beginning at 10:00 AM. Pastor Kevin Marr will officiate. Burial will be held at Brownsville Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in memory of Elzie Brightwell, Jr., at Faith Baptist Church, 2212 Jefferson Pike, Knoxville, MD 21758 and the Montgomery County Police Alumni Association, P. O. Box 431, Damascus, MD 20872-0431.