Robert Bruce Bryant

Robert Bruce Bryant, 76, passed away on August 23, 2015 at his home in the Glade community, outside of Laurel, Mississippi. He was born on August, 18, 1939 in Laurel to Bruce Prince Bryant and Gladys Ruth Walters Bryant. Robert grew up in Laurel and graduated from Glade High School 1957. He joined the United States Navy and served on active duty until 1959. Upon leaving active duty, he attended Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi for two years. Robert was always very independent and was self-employed throughout his life as a painter. He loved being his own boss. He was a lifelong, active member of Glade Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, on numerous committees, and was always ready to volunteer wherever needed. Robert loved his church family at Glade Baptist. He served on the Glade Water Association board for many years and was President of the Association for the last decade. Robert loved helping people, but often did so in secret. He truly believed that we should be the hands and feet of Jesus. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and by his grandson, Samuel Pierce Bryant. He is survived by his wife, Sandra McNeill Bryant, of Laurel; his four sons: Gary Bryant (Maritza) of Hattiesburg, Jimmy Bryant (Sherry) of Crystal Springs, Neill Bryant (Sally) of Flowood, and Scott Bryant of Flowood; his brother, Johnny Bryant (Kathy) of Laurel, Marjorie Ishee (Harold-deceased) of Houston, Texas, and Frances Bryant of Brandon; his grandchildren: Christopher (Necce), Tyler, Taylor, Hannah, Savannah, Ashton, Jack and Andrew his great-grandchildren: James, Jimmy, Jenna, and Karter. Also remembered are numerous nieces and nephews and many others whom Robert loved and were as special to him as if they were his own. Pallbearers will be Ken Smith, Billy Knight, Jerry McAndrews, Harvey Barnes, Edward Poore, Sherman Bates, Austin Stewart and Eugene Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert’s Sunday School class at Glade Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel in Laurel from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2015. The funeral service will be held at Glade Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, with viewing beginning at 9:00 a.m. The burial will follow at Memorial Gardens. Rev. Ken Harrison will officiate, assisted by Rev. Bob Taylor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Benevolence Fund at Glade Baptist Church. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Robert Bruce Bryant

August 18, 1939 - August 23, 2015