Billy Bryant

William Ernest “Billy” Bryant, 80, a life long resident of Cleveland, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 13, 2011. He was born May 20, 1930 to Ernest and Nell Bryant. Billy was a fireman for the city of Cleveland for over 40 years and was a local business man for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; sister, Elizabeth B. Chestnutt and brother, Gene Bryant. Survivors include his wife, Betty Jo Bryant; son, Gregory Michael Bryant (Karen) of Columbus, MS; son Gary Lee Bryant (Maureen) of Cleveland; granddaughter, Stephanie Bryant Godfrey (Lance); grandson, Jasen Michael Bryant (Sherry) both of Columbus, MS; grandson, Christopher Lee Bryant of Cleveland; great grandchildren, Will Godfrey, Christina Godfrey, Olivia Kemp, Abby Kemp all of Columbus, MS; brothers, Buster Bryant and Jimmy Bryant (Norma); sisters, Dorothy Nell Chase (Burke) and Ernestene Whitaker (Jim); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Minister Cy Harris officiating. Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with a white dove release ceremony concluding the service. His nephews, Jeff Chase, Joe Chase, Tim Bryant, Steve Bryant, Dean Bryant, Barky Bryant, Shane Bryant and Andy Bryant will serve as pallbearers. Roy Pierce, Wilburn Griffith, Pete Bryant and Everett Pierce will serve as honorary pallbearers. His family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 14, 2011 at the funeral home. Donations in honor of Billy to the Alzheimer?s Research Association, 7625 Hamilton Park Drive Suite 8, Chattanooga, TN 37421. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Bryant family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.