Reuben Benjamin Bryant, Jr., 83, died Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Southampton, Virginia and came to Washington County in 1989 from Florida. He was a retired Chief Petty Officer in the U. S. Navy with more than 20 years of service. He attended Blackwell Chapel United Methodist Church and loved to fish, hunt, and travel.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Muriel Sheila Joan Simmons Bryant and one sister, Judith Temple.
He is survived by his son, Wayne Ashley Bryant of Lake Worth, FL; 4 daughters, Mitzi Lynn Bryant of Jacksonville, FL, Kimberley Teal Edwards and husband Mark of West Palm Beach, FL, Lisa Gayle Michel-Haber and husband Terry of Ocala, FL, and Tonya Michelle Lee Wheaton and husband Scott of Sunrise, FL; 3 sisters, Inez Toland, Eloise Cupps, and Etta Mae Jarrett; 6 grandchildren, Jason Alan Herist, Shawn Leigh Herist, Danielle Alisha Michel, Brett Robert Bryant, Brandi Lynn Cannon, and Brian Austin Cannon; and 1 great grandson, Alexander Jorge Herist.
The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, September 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Blackwell Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Scott Spence officiating. Burial will follow in Blackwell Chapel Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday, September 5, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Jason Herist, Shawn Herist, Brett Bryant, Brian Cannon, Mark Edwards, Terry Haber, and Scott Wheaton.