Thomas Bryant

Thomas Bryant

Thomas Elmer Bryant Jr was born February 28, 1930 in Pettigrew, Arkansas. He passed from this world June 9, 2015, in Redding, California. He was preceded in death by his son, Barry, and his wife, Margaret. They were married for 62 years. In 1952 they moved to La Habra, California, where they had four children, Jeff, Dan, Sandy and Barry.

Tom and Margaret opened Bryant Automotive in Redding on May 15, 1968. The family business continues operating today. It was while living in Southern California that his love for all things speed really developed. He was a long time participant in land speed racing both at El Mirage, in the Mojave Desert of California, and at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He entered the Bonneville 200 MPH Club in 1990 at 217.236 mph driving the Pierson Coupe. Since 1999, with Toms race car, six more family members were inducted into the 200 MPH Club, his three sons, Jeff, Dan and Barry, his brother Gary, grandson Tim and nephew Ken Smith, the last in 2004 at 244.260 mph.

Tom was an Arbitrator, Church leader, active member of East Redding Rotary, ASC (Automotive Service Council) & BNI (Business Networking International). He was an avid reader, racing historian and Facebook blogger. He was a Scoutmaster, enjoyed backpacking and was a dedicated family man.

A celebration of life, for Tom Bryant, will be held on June 20th at 2pm. Location: Redding Christian Fellowship...2157 Victor Ave Redding CA 96002.

Donations can be made to "Save The Salt"

www.savethesalt.org/