Charles William Bryant Sr.

1929 - 2012

Charles William Bryant, Sr., was born on September 6, 1929 to the late John Whitehead and Annie Mae Woolfolk-Bryant in Cincinnati, Ohio. He transitioned into eternal life at 5:00P.M. on September 5, 2012 at Atlanta Medical Center after an extended illness of rheumatoid arthritis and congestive heart failure.

Charles was the eldest of five children, three who preceded him in death, Lucille, John Frank and Willie James.

After relocating in Shiloh, Georgia, he completed his elementary education at Copeland Quarters Elementary School in Shiloh, GA and was a graduate of Carver High School in Atlanta, GA.

Charles was a veteran of the Korean War, and was discharged as a Corporal with military honors in 1954.

Charles' wife and children were the love of his life. He enjoyed working to provide for his family's future, always giving them things that they needed and most things that they wanted. He regularly attended various churches, family gatherings and spending days in the country (Shiloh, GA) with his family and friends.

He was employed by Norfolk/Southern Railway as a rail press operator for 32 years. Despite what the weather conditions were, he would get to his job if he had to walk in the snow.

Charles was a man of many skills and aspirations. He would take on the challenge of fixing anything, especially mending his cars with tape, band-aids, coat hangers, tin cans, gem clips, needle and thread and anything that would temporary solve the problem. Last but not least, he used steel wool and nail polish.

His passion for bowling was proven by a huge collection of patches, plaques and trophies. He was a member of several bowling leagues. His love for the sport was overwhelming.

Memories of his generous nature and loving spirit will be cherished by his wife of 51 years Minnie Irvin Bryant; two sons, Charles Bryant Jr. of Hapeville, GA and Jonathan Bryant of Atlanta, GA; two daughters, Bridgette Bryant of Atlanta, GA and Mary Lue Copeland of Shiloh, GA; three grandchildren Priscilla (Michael) Cooper, Symba Lawal and Jonathan Bryant II; three great-grand children Vanesha Cooper, Jalan Cooper and Cazmere Allen; one sister Margaret (Frank) Copeland of Shiloh, GA; one sister-in-law Blanche Irvin of Atlanta, GA; two step-sisters Beatrice Johnson of Atlanta, GA and Lizzie Kate Paulk of Miami, FL; a very dear friend and bowling buddy Roosevelt Bankston of Atlanta, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.