Robert Bryant

"To everything there is a Season" Ecclesiastes.3: 1

... A time to be born - On April 26, 1938, Reverend James Berry and Janie Reed Bryant became parents of a happy baby boy. They named him Robert Bryant. Later in life his friends and schoolmates dubbed him "Big Red". Robert was the sixth of seven children. His siblings were Dr. James Berry Bryant Jr., Helen Marie Mason, John Bryant "Kotchie," Clarence Bryant "Honey Bunch," Arthur Ray Bryant, and Leslie Howard Bryant. His parents and siblings preceded him in death.

...A time to plant - Robert planted many seeds during his lifetime on earth. He was friendly, cooperative, kind, caring, and communicative with the old and young. He began his religious path at Macedonia Baptist Church under the guidance of his parents. He was involved in Sunday school classes and worship services that he frequently heard and was often reminded that salvation is an individual affair; we know not where death is; so, keep your house in order.

...A time to build up - Robert began and ended his public education at Woodson Elementary School, and Woodson Junior-Senior High School. He was active in band, football, and track and field. Because of his athletic ability, his positive attitude toward vigorous practice sessions, he earned the position of wide receiver on the football team. This earned position in sports did not diminish his love for music. He received recognition and awards for his abilities in sports and music. It was during this time, that his classmates dubbed him "Big Red." This nickname followed him throughout his life. He was known then and remembered now as one of the fearsome players for the mighty Rams of Carter G. Woodson High School. After graduation, he enrolled in Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas with an interest in Physical Education.

After leaving Prairie View A&M University, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1957 as a PVT E-1 and served an Overseas' unit assignment. After his return he transferred to United States Army Regular where he was stationed in Fort Sheridan, Illinois as a PVT (P) E2. He also successfully completed a Code of Conduct Crusades Battalion Military Justice Training. His last duty assignment was Commandant of Cadets 1st Armored Rifle Battalion, 46th Infantry through 1960. It was during this experience that he received a Letter of Appreciation Sharpshooter Badge (Automatic Rifle), Expert Badge (Sub Machine Gun), and Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle). He later transferred to the United States Army Reserved VIII USA Corps. Under honorable conditions, he was issued a DD Form 214 certificate and discharged in 1963. After his Army commitment, he was employed at the Waterfront in Houston, Texas until his return home to Abilene, Texas.
To peak his interest after returning home he spent quality time at the G. V. Daniels Recreational Center with friends and new acquaintances. He loved fishing and quail hunting with his brothers. He thoroughly enjoyed playing cards, dominoes, Bingo, Lotto, and involving himself in activities planned by the center. He also traveled abroad collecting rare stones where he developed an interest in making jewelry for male and females and traveled the country selling his products. It provided a profitable income for his family.

...A time to love - Studying, sharing and following the teaching of Jesus Christ was his first encounter with commitment; then came his military assignment to serve his country with dignity and valor; followed by a time to return home and reestablish a relationship with his immediate family, schoolmates, and friends. After his discharge and return home, he immediately began a search for that social and legal relationship for the purpose of making and raising a family. This too, was another commitment that was very important to him. From this union of commitment came his children. They are Renee Wilcox (Greg) of Arlington, Texas, Michael Grant of Pearland, Texas, Beverly Bryant of Denton, Texas, Debra Burfict, La Donna Owens-Lewis, and Lawanda Smith of Abilene, Texas. He leaves to cherish his memory grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

...A time to weep - Our eyes are wet with tears; our hearts are burdened; and our faces are stained with sorrow. But God's sustaining power is yet with us. Robert taught us responsibility by example. When and if you make a commitment at your school, church, or community, always honor that commitment. "When and if we did, Daddy would be sitting quietly in the audience; cheering loudly at our volleyball, basketball, or track meets; and/or calling out our names to let us know he was there," said Renee. "He surely would do that all the time," echoed Debra.

...And a time to die - God called Robert home on May 15, 2016 at his home. This is a commitment each has to make.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, May 26, 2016 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Graveside service will be 1:00 PM Friday, May 27, 2016 at Texas State Veteran's Cemetery, 7457 West Lake Road. Online condolences may be made at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, May 26, 2016
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Service

Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene
7457 W. Lake Road
Abilene, TX  79601
Friday, May 27, 2016
1:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Texas State Veterans Cemetery
7457 W. Lake Rd.
Abilene, TX