Willie Edward Bryant, Sr.

Willie Edward Bryant, Sr. was born on May 2, 1952, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He was the part of the seventh birth to Paul Bryant and Theresie Denson and shared this birth to a twin sister, Willie Reese.

Willie attended Arkadelphia Public Schools and received his high school diploma from Arkadelphia High. Willie also attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia for a short while but chose to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) working for a local hospital. Other employment included Reynolds Metal in Gum Springs, AR; Shaw Construction in Texarkana, AR, and Super Steamers in Russell, Kansas

Willie was raised in a Christian home. At an early age he united with West Gum Springs Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder J. T. Gilmore. During his last visit to Arkansas during the summer of 2019, Willie renewed this relationship accepting Christ as his personal savior under the leadership of Elder James Banks.

 Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Theresie Bryant; his grandparents: George Denson, Estella (McClanahan) Conner, and James and Alice (Blacknall) Bryant; siblings: Willie Reese Bryant (his twin), Emma Lee Freeman, Henry Paul Bryant, Flossie Mae Snowden, Stella Marie Jefferson, and Nancy Carol Walker. 

Those who will forever cherish his memory, five children: Willie (Denise) Bryant Jr., Shekathi Bryant, and Marceia McGough of Prescott, AR, Courtney (Lori) Bryant of Great Bend, Kansas, and Charles (Diane) McGough of Corpus Christi,TX ; sixteen grandchildren: Maritza, Locora, Jevon, Kyeal, Deshawnna, Courtney, Jr., Kymani, Kamille, Tiffany, Alexis, Ferrando, Julius, Jaquet, Teunte, Anissa, and Laila; seven great grandchildren; Mylee, R. J., Elijah, Amir, Chrystian, Lo’Rena, and Co’Rena; five siblings: Dorothy (Willie) Felecien of Stockton, CA, Roger (Ruth) Bryant of Prescott, AR, Gerald (Corma) Bryant of Hot Springs, AR, Flecia (James) Bass of Arkadelphia, AR, and Belinda Bryant of Fort Worth, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 A private service was held by the family. 

Submitted by the Bryant Family