Born into an Oklahoma family rich from oil money. Bright described himself as being a "happy pagan" in his youth. While in his early 20s he moved to Los Angeles and founded a company called Bright's California Confections.
After coming into contact with Christian youth worker Henrietta Mears, he was converted to Christianity. On December 30, 1948 he married Vonette Zachary. In 1951 he started Campus Crusade to preach the Gospel and spread Christianity to students at UCLA.
In 1996, Bright received the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion. He donated the prize money to causes promoting the spiritual benefits of fasting and prayer.
Bill Bright is survived by his wife Vonette, sons Zachary and Brad, and four grandchildren.
The Rev. Billy Graham release a statement on the passing of Dr. Bright: "He has carried a burden on his heart as few men that I've ever known - a burden for the evangelization of the world. He is a man whose sincerity and integrity and devotion to our Lord have been an inspiration and a blessing to me ever since the early days of my ministry."
Bright was a co-signer of the Land Letter, which outlines a just war endorsement of pre-emptive invasion of Iraq.