Bruce Dickerson Bryant passed away on December 28, 2010 at Deerfield Retirement Community in Asheville, NC. He had been in a short period of declining health.
Bruce was born in Franklin NC on December 26, 1924 to Harve L. Bryant and Oliatta Barnard Bryant. He was predeceased by his parents and two siblings.
Bruce was a World War II veteran having served in the Air Force Quartermaster Corps.
Bruce was a principal in many businesses in Macon County including Macon County Supply, Macon Furniture Mart, The Colonial Inn, Macon Funeral Home and Macon County Appliance Mart. Even until the age of 85, he enjoyed the pleasure of interacting with friends and customers at Macon Appliance Mart.
Bruce never met a stranger and always offered a helping hand or word of encouragement to those he met. On the occasion of his 80th birthday, a celebration was held at the Macon County Historical Museum, where his family was amazed to hear many heart-warming stories of his generosity to so many in Macon County.
He was a 32nd degree mason and served on the local County Commission. He was involved in countless other local civic projects including The Board of Directors for Angel Community Hospital, A Deacon of First Baptist Church, The Board of Directors for the NC Baptist Children's Home, The Moody Farms Ministry and he was a very active supporter of the Iolta Methodist Church. He was a consistent supporter of business development and job creation in Macon County.
Bruce is survived by his wife Freda Hall Bryant, son Barnard Bruce Bryant and his wife Nancy, daughter Pam Bryant Bailey and her husband David and their children Matthew and Catherine . He is also survived by a sister HarvaLinda Bryant Cruse, brother Mac Bryant and his wife Emmalou and their children, brother Lyman and his wife Betty Ann and their children , and brother Edward Bryant and his wife Barbra and their children.
The family would like to thank the staff of Deerfield Retirement Community for their kindness and friendship to Bruce and Freda as well as their exceptional care.
A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Franklin, NC on Friday, December 31, 2010 at 12:30 PM followed by a memorial service celebrating Bruce's life at 2:00 PM at the church. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.
On Saturday, January 1, there will be a reception from 11-1pm at St Giles Chapel for family and friends to honor the memory of Bruce. Deerfield Retirement Center, 1617 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC.
The family requests donations be made to Manna Food Bank, PO Box 1583, Franklin, NC 28744, in lieu of flowers.
Pallbearers will be former employees. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Junaluskee Masonic Lodge No. 145 and the American Legion Post 108.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com