Earnest Lamar Bryant, 94, of Patterson, passed away late Wednesday evening, March 13, 2024, at his residence.
Born in Blackshear October 17, 1929, he lived in Pierce and Bacon Counties all his life. He was a carman for CSX Transportation, retiring after 34 years of service. Following his retirement, he went into farming which he did for several years. He was a member of the Blackshear Masonic Lodge - #270. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing but in his later years he really enjoyed a good ole nap. Watching westerns and tv shows about nature as well as being outdoors and riding the golf cart around the neighborhood were also things he loved to do. He was a member of Offerman Baptist Church but was a former member and deacon of Bristol Baptist Church.
He was a son of the late Earnest Carrol and Lilah Alethea Lee Bryant. He was also preceded in death by He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Elmer Thomas; his first wife, Sarah Louise “Sis” Smith Bryant; a son, Wayne Bryant; both of his sisters, Hazel King and Waunel English; two brothers, Tracy Bryant and Gordon Thomas and a step-daughter, Holly Thornton.
Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Oletha Taylor Bryant, Patterson; his son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Nina Bryant, Alma; five step-children, Rick Thornton, Middleburg, FL, Rhonda (Ken) Kinsey, Yulee, Lendol (Barbara) Thornton, Hilliard, FL, Belinda Carter Crowder, Patterson and Katrina (Doel) Conti, Folkston; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Donald) Eason, Alesia (Joey) Buckholts, Jonathan Bryant and Allison (George) Dyal; six great-grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 4-5 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 17, from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Loren Bryant and the Rev. R. C. James officiating.
Interment will be in the Ramah Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.
Pearson-Dial Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
