Jerry Keith Bryant

Jerry Keith Bryant, 87, of Banner, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, at Baptist Calhoun Hospital in Calhoun City following a brief illness.

He was born on March 18, 1938, in the Old Town Community, Jerry was the fourth of ten children born to the late Bill Bryant and the late Marie Hubbard Bryant.

A natural leader with a joyful spirit, Jerry attended Pittsboro for the first three years of high school, where he was affectionately recognized as the "Wittiest" and "Jolliest Junior", as well as class favorite, "Most Handsome", Vice-President of the 4H Club, and a valued member of the basketball team.  His senior year was spent at Bruce High School, where he graduated in 1956 after helping lead the basketball team to the State Finals.  He attended Wood Junior College in Mathiston, MS, and eventually Shelby State Community College in Memphis, where he pursued coursework in Fire Service.

After high school, Jerry briefly worked in Chicago before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1958.  He completed Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC, and Advanced Training at Fort Benning, GA, where he served with distinction as a member of the Honor Guard.  He was then stationed in Korea, where he was one of four members of the elite Color Guard.  Among his most cherished memories from that time were visiting with his high school friend Ed Easley, a trip to Japan during R&R, and presenting the colors of President Dwight D. Eisenhower during a presidential visit.

On December 4, 1959, Jerry married Carolyn Ruth Edwards, in a private ceremony at Bruce United Methodist Church.  Over the next 65 years, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering partnership.  Together, they celebrated milestone anniversaries surrounded by family and friends, each one a reflection of their enduring bond.

In 1960, Jerry and Carolyn moved to Memphis, where he began a distinguished 34-year career with the Memphis Fire Department, rising to the rank of Division Chief.  Alongside his public service, he ran a successful lawn maintenance business and was known for his work ethic, humility, and dedication to helping others.

After retiring, the couple returned to the Banner community in 2002, settling into their new home on Hipp Hill, where they were welcomed with love by nearly 300 friends and neighbors.  A devoted member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Jerry served faithfully as a treasurer and found great joy in his church family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Charlotte Bryant Gann; his sisters, Billie Bollinger and Mildred Spratlin; and his brother, Carrol David Bryant.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Carolyn Edwards Bryant; his son, Chris Bryant; and his son-in-law, Greg Gann, all of Banner.  He also leaves behind his siblings; James C (Dorothy) Bryant of Oakland, TN; Karla Vanlandingham of Sulphur, OK; Sue Stone of Potts Camp, MS; Della (Jimmy D.) Vanlandingham of Mathiston, MS; Deborah (Donald) Worsham of Potts Camp, MS; and Don Bryant of Bruce, MS as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 1:00P.M. until 3:00P.M. A funeral honoring Jerry's life will also be on Tuesday at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00P.M... Rev. Brad Corban, Rev. Lynn Mote, and Rev. Lannis May will be officiating in the funeral service.  Burial will be in Shady Grove United Methodist Cemetery in Banner, MS with Military Honors.  Pallbearers will be Andy Bollinger, Paul Keel, Terry Spratlin, Dudley Stone, Shane Stone and Jon Vanlandingham.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Memphis Fire Department, David Bramlitt, Dennis Wright and Bruce Class of 1956.

Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Bryant family during this time of loss and need.