Mr. Bryant was born October 14, 1944 in Middlesex County, VA to the late Arthur William Bryant and Garnette Thrift Bryant.  In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother: Arthur William “Billy” Bryant, II.

Mr. Bryant loved his family and loved life.  He retired after 20 years from the United States Navy.

 He is survived by his wife: Sarah Elizabeth Bryant of the home; two sons: Joey Franklin Byrum, Jr. and wife Jennifer of Pleasant Hill, NC and Howard Anthony Bryant and wife Heather of Temperance, MI; two daughters: Melissa Ann Joyner of Roanoke Rapids and Marsha Faye Byrum Smith and husband Bryan of Fort Wayne, In; grandchildren: Tina Walls, Joey Morris, Elizabeth Byrum, Brent Mason, Amy Howard, Chris Smith, Sean Smith and Lily Bryant; nine great grandchildren; three brothers: Henry Bryant and wife Mary-Ellen Kelly of Roanoke Rapids, Wesley Bryant and wife Patricia of Greenville, SC and Richard Bryant and wife Sharon of Newport News, VA; four sisters: Frances Ward and husband Fred of Roanoke Rapids, Marguerite Mary Wheeler of Halifax, Lillian Pearson of Roanoke Rapids and Barbara Payne and husband Ed of Urbana, VA; sister-in-law: Marie Bryant of Toppins, VA.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the family cemetery with Rev. Ricky Barnes officiating The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service from 7:00-8:30 P.M. and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Online condolences may be made at www.hockadayfs.com.