Name: Visitation for Gary Lee Bryant
Start: 2017-07-28T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-07-29T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Paw Creek Presbyterian Church sanctuary

"We are so blessed to have them" were the last words this beloved father and grandfather spoke about his grandchildren. Reverend Gary Lee Bryant, 71, went home to be with his heavenly Father on Monday, July 24, 2017 after a brief illness. Gary was born in Hico, W. VA on September 7, 1945 to the late A.H. and Eva (Crist) Bryant. He graduated from King College in Bristol, TN in 1968 and Columbia Seminary in Decatur, GA in 1971. He served in three congregations: First Presbyterian in Lumberton, NC as an Associate minister from 1971-1974, First Presbyterian in Kings Mountain, NC as minister from 1974-1981 and Paw Creek Presbyterian in Charlotte, NC as minister from 1981-2015.

Gary was a people person who would do anything to help others. He had a way of making people feel special. Among other attributes he was a writer, golfer, sportsman and musician. He loved a good story and was famous for his own. With the youth he was known for his large but gentle hands and his high-fives. Most of all he loved his family and was a proud father and grandfather.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 50 years, Linda Gail Ladd Bryant of Charlotte; son, Mark Andrew Bryant of Charlotte and two daughters, Elizabeth Ladd Bryant Honeycutt and husband, Jimmy of Mount Holly, and Daeng M. Hawkins of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren, Zoey Paxton Bryant, Hunter Grayson Bryant and Aniyah Andrea Bryant; special friend, Sylvia Marlene Thames; aunt, Emma Righi of Sandusky, OH and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Ann Bryant.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00PM, Friday, July 28, 2017 at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church sanctuary.

A graveside committal service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Paw Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 7400 Mt. Holly Road, Charlotte, NC followed by a celebration of his life to be held at 12:00 PM in the church sanctuary. Reverend Veronica Cannon and Reverend Christopher Lee will preside.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Paw Creek Presbyterian Church Youth Program or Hopewell Presbyterian Church Children's Program.

Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomestanley.com.

Carothers Funeral Home, Stanley is honored to serve the Bryant family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jul. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Bryant

29 Entries

Kathy Keane

August 1, 2017

Gary was an exceptional man. He was kind, caring and a wonderful grandfather. He was always willing to pray over any concerns or celebrations I had in my work and personal life. He also had a great sense of humor. His soft snickering would always make me laugh. He had a keen eye for reading people and understanding their needs before they did. It was always clear that Gary was walking this earth in the footsteps of Jesus. My heart goes out to Carolyn and the children.

Mark Alan Burleson

July 30, 2017

My pastor, my coworker, my friend, Gary was a rock, a hero, a humble servant. I am grateful to still have both my parents in my life, but consider many others as mother and father figures; Gary was like another father to me. I will miss his presence but the angels in heaven are loving the way he strums his guitar.

Dian and Lee Bustle

July 29, 2017

Gary ministered to the entire community by example. He will be missed.

A. H.

July 29, 2017

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

July 28, 2017

I still can't believe it. He was a wonderful pastor and friend. I am deeply saddened. The world has lost a great Christian. I want to express my sincere love and prayers to the family. God Bless you all.

K W

July 28, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sandra Smith

July 28, 2017

The world will miss him ! My family has been honored to know this family, some through church, us through basketball. He was a gentle, honest man. Our regards to the family. Mike and Sandra Smith

Mike Drolet

July 28, 2017

I am so saddened for your loss and you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Gary was a remarkable person who helped so many, including my family. He will be greatly missed.

July 28, 2017

Daddy is mad cause you beat him there. He doesn't want you to learn more jokes than him. I love you and thank you for your grace ,love and passion you brought to Paw Creek. Gail will be surrounded with love while you enjoy a life we all long for....Amen

Teresa and Ken Scott

July 27, 2017

There's not enough words to express how much Gary means to our family, he was not only our minister but our friend who was there for the most important times in our lives, marriages, births, baptisms and deaths, we will always cherish those memories and that Gary was apart of those beautiful moments, we will miss his smile, laughter and his jokes. Lauren said Gary gave the best hugs, we will always hold him forever in our hearts!

Janetta Hawkins

July 27, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss, you and your family are in my prayers

July 27, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. I will pray for the family. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 3 and 4

Angela Young

July 27, 2017

Prayers and Comfort to the Family.

Pastor Bryant

When God allow people to enter our lives it may be for just a season and there's always a reason.

You really have engraved a lasting place in my heart and a memory of caring and sharing that will never part.

Pastor Bryant, one thing we can rest assure. Heaven has once again,gained an Angel and Servant that we on earth will miss dearly but the Heavenly Angels are all rejoicing and welcoming you with opened arms.

This song always come to my heart, when I see or hear of an Angel transitioning from earth to Heaven. I kind of get jealous but I know just like you, I too will have to cross Jordan River to study war no more.

Singing,
"Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah Land"

Eyes are filled with tears to see you go but knowing God and his sovereignty his will is PERFECT!!

Rest Easy, Pastor Gary Bryant, Until We Meet Again.

Love you,

Angela Young and Family Charlotte NC

Carolyn Yandle

July 27, 2017

What a remarkable man. He always seemed to know just the words to offer comfort and understanding. This meant so much to me and my family, especially at my husband's death from cardiac arrest. Prayers to his entire family.

Sam McCord

July 27, 2017

What a truly remarkable Man! There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe Gary. He was a lover of humankind and set an example of a Christ-like life. Gary was not only my minster but also a friend. He NEVER met a stranger and was a peacemaker! He was loved by my family and gifted us with his laughter, jokes and stories during our good times and provided us with his comfort, strength, love and faith during our difficult days! Gary was loved by many and he will be remembered by all he touched. I prayer that his family finds comfort in fond memories of the special times they shared together.

Sam McCord

July 26, 2017

What a truly remarkable man. There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe Gary. He was a friend to all, a Shepard of his churches, a living example of Christ, a peacemaker and a friend. He provided laughter, happiness and joy during my happy times and peace, faith and comfort during my sad times. He will be missed by many and and will not be forgotten by all he touched. May God continue to bless his family!

Rachel Pelone

July 26, 2017

Condolences to the dear family of Gary Bryant.I heard him speak many times at funerals, weddings, anniversary parties, and church celebrations. He never failed to enthrall me and instilled peace and happiness in my heart. Gary Bryant is Paw Creek Presbyterian Church. God has spoken through him and he leaves beautiful memories Joy and peace to the family always.

Pea Dad Caudill

July 26, 2017

Thank the Lord that Gary Bryant was a part of my life. He was always there. Every phase of my life of need, he was there. I know a lot of people will say the same. He made a great contribution to this world in so many ways. He will be missed ! Job well done !!! Till next time....

Jeff Aiken

July 26, 2017

Gary was always a faithful servant of the Lord with a genuine and sincere pastors heart.
He will be greatly missed. Our sympathy and prayers to Gail and family.--Jeff & Libby Aiken

Maggie Bond

July 26, 2017

I had the gift of meeting Gary at Kristen Hayes Monza's wedding. He and I rode down Beach Mountain together in his van. We had a wonderful conversation. I felt as if I had known him all my life! What a life well lived! Enjoy your reward in heaven. Thank you for getting me down that windy mountain! Love, Maggie Bond

Amy, Nick & Morgan McGee

July 26, 2017

A perfect servant, loving, kind, always smiling, smart, witty, larger than life, friend and mentor. What an impact Gary had on me and my family. Will miss his caring, his high fives and him always asking if I was staying out of trouble. I can only imagine the heavenly greeting he received on Monday. What comfort to know he is healed, healthy, smiling and laughing. Well done good and faithful servant! Gail, Mark, Elizabeth, Daeng, & family may you all feel God's loving arms wrapped around each of you holding you up and giving you the strength, comfort and peace only He can give. Big love to you all!

Darleane Loyd

July 26, 2017

Gary not only supported the Paw Creek families but also the BSA Scouting families. He always attended an Eagle Banquet and had such an inspirational speech prepared for these young men. A true Man of God who will be remembered by all those whose lives he so deeply moved and touched.

The Kemp family

July 26, 2017

Gary opened our eyes, Baptized our children and was the living definition of kindness and compassion. Heaven has opened its arms to a great one...we'll see you again friend! - Mike, Wendy, Jonathan and Jessica Kemp

Sherry Roberts

July 25, 2017

As part of your youth group in Lumberton, I have never forgotten your smiles, laughter, and fun personality. You were there for us on that awful day of the car wreck. Your presence was a comfort to all. You will be missed by many and remembered by us all. Prayers for your family. Thank you, Linda, for sharing this wonderful man as he began his ministry.

Sherry Roberts

Shanghai and Kim and Christian Nickles

July 25, 2017

To Gail,
So sorry to hear about Gary. He was a wonderful man. I will never forget how good you guys were to me when Chasity passed away. I remember that beautiful prayer he prayed at her gravesite . He surely will be missed by many people I know what he meant to them. I love you and will be praying for you.

Matthew Steele

July 25, 2017

Will miss him on this earth, but we will meet again! Love you Gary, praying for peace for the family!

-The Steele Family

John McClung

July 25, 2017

My dear cousin Gary, I was just talking about getting your contact info and looking you up a few days ago and now it's a tad too late. I wish there was still time! I'm thankful that you're home in the arms of your blessed Savior, brother!

Patti Moore

July 25, 2017

Pastor Gary was such a model Pastor & friend too all he came in contact with under the Heavens.
Gary was such a loving, full of joy, kind-hearted and compassionate friend in Christ.
My prayer & love is uplifted for Gail and children. I pray our loving Lord Jesus supplies Gail with a peace that surpasses all understanding and know the (4) of you are so loved by so many of whom you and Gary ministered to.
Love & Prayers uplifted,
Mrs. Patti Toney Moore

July 25, 2017

Love, thoughts, and prayers with all of you. Mattie Hart

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