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Joe Bryant Obituary
Joe Houston Bryant, age 62 of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on June 12, 2013. Joe was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, on September 22, 1950.
He was the son of James Houston and Opal Jones Bryant.
After attending Upperman High School in Baxter TN, Joe became a Laotian linguist in the US Air Force. While managing Bell Bros. Shoe Store, he married Sherry Burcham in 1975. He received his Bachelor's Degree from MTSU and began his teaching career as an ESL teacher of Laotian students at Riverdale and Oakland High Schools in Murfreesboro.
For the remaining 29 years of his teaching career, he taught history at Riverdale. Joe sponsored the Young Writers and Artists Society (YAWS), student council, junior class, and the Key Club. Joe loved writing and was working on his life story. He was often seen playing disc golf with a group of old hippies known only to themselves as The Electric Freetoe.
An avid music lover, he continually added to his 4700 song collection on his IPOD. He loved to teach his granddaughter Abigail about the important things in life such as how to play with silly putty, blow bubbles, and be goofy. Joe loved animals and was most at home walking in the woods. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Joe is survived by his wife, Sherry; son Jeremy and his wife Jennifer; daughter Holly; granddaughter Abigail; brother William (Bill) Bryant and wife Pat; sisters Doris Wesser, Jimmie Rosati, Marie Agee and husband Carl; Betty Rendon and husband Saul; loving nieces, nephews, and several "adopted" children. He is preceded in death by his parents James Houston and Opal Jones Bryant and by his brother Robert (Bob) Bryant.
A celebration of Joe's life will be held Wednesday, June 19, in the Jaycees' building at Cannonsburgh Village, 312 South Front St., Murfreesboro. The family will gather at 2 p.m. to greet relatives and friends, and then have a time of sharing at 3:30 p.m., led by Sherry's uncle, Rev. James Burcham, pastor of First Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
The family would like to thank the many students who were such a vital part of Joe's life. Through you, Joe found his life's passion. And, Joe, "Because we knew you, we have been changed for good."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Bryant
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Sherry Bryant
August 9, 2025
Thank you John Roland for the pictures and kind words about Joe. I am Joe´s wife, Sherry. I was blown away when I saw your post. Joe talked about you all the time and I always wished I could meet you. My email is [email protected]. I´d love to talk to you more. The pictures are awesome!
Michael Bryant
August 9, 2025
Thank you John Roland for sharing these memories of Joe. He and I met working at the shoe store and remained friends his whole life. We have the same last name, but never could connect our family trees. He was a good man and I am still in contact with his widow, Sherry, and his children, Jeremy and Holly. Much of my musical likes came from listening to those reel to reel recording of his. Best to you.
John F Roland
August 4, 2025
I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to find Joe and then to find that he passed away years ago. Joe, Lynn, and I met while attending Laotian language school in Alexandria Virginia in 1970-71. Lynn and Joe were originally assigned to a base in Vietnam while I was assigned to a place I'd never heard of - Okinawa. As luck would have it, Joe and Lynn never went to Vietnam but ended up in Okinawa with me. Joe was a great friend. We used to wrestle each other at the drop of a hat, but it was all in good fun. Joe and Lynn both smoked too much. He always loved music and introduced me to groups I'd never heard of. We'd spend hours in the base music lab copying songs for our reel-to-reel tape recorder/players. He also enjoyed photography. He introduced me to my wife and was a good friend. I've thought about him often over the years but when we got out of the service it was difficult to stay in touch. No such thing as texts or emails or Facebook. Then life intervened and my old friends slid to the background. I wish I'd been able to keep in touch. It was wonderful that he actually was able to use his Laotian training in his teaching career. I miss his laughter and ready camaraderie.
BRADLEY PILKERTON
June 18, 2023
I can't believe you been gone ten years think about you all the time Joe Bryant
Bradley pilkerton
June 13, 2021
Was actually just thinking about Joe other day hard believe eight years since he passed he was such great outgoing man made me feel welcome at Riverdale rest in peace Joe Bryant
Bradley pilkerton
October 7, 2020
I can't remember if I commented on this page in 2013 when Mr Bryant died. But I was thinking about him other day. I really liked Mr Bryant!! I never even had him as a teacher. But at Riverdale I was shy didn't have many friends. But I remember at a warrior walk believe in 2001 me and Mr Bryant talked for the longest. I think other times we saw each other we talked. I may not had allot of friends but Mr Bryant was one and he never had anything bad to say about anyone! I actually saw him about two years before he died at Publix or Kroger's we talked a min or so rest in peace Joe Bryant miss u
Michael Bryant
June 12, 2019
It has been 6 long years since we heard you and spent time with you. We still love you and miss you Joe.
Sherry, Holly, and Jeremythinking about you all and the man we loved today.
Peace be with you,
Michael and Sheryl Bryant
Gary Rattanavong
June 21, 2013
I did not have Mr. Bryant as a teacher at Riverdale, however in the past, a few friends and I would stay in his room during pep rallies and other school functions and he was very tolerant of our behavior, very patient, which says a lot when you're running a room full of high school kids! I have had some talks with him about historical and political topics and I know he will be missed dearly. I did not know he made such contributions to the Laotian Community here, and as a Laotian American, I thank you so much Mr. Bryant for helping Laotian refugees and their descendants transition into life in the USA, You served and taught with strength, integrity, and dignity. May you Rest In Peace and may your family find peace during this time, the world has lost a great soul, thank you Mr. Bryant.
Jordan Ownby
June 21, 2013
Mr. Bryant was not only a great teacher. He was also a great friend. He always knew what to say to put things into perspective and show a person how great life really was. The world will be a darker place without him. You will be missed, Mr. Bryant.
Katie Fitzgerald
June 21, 2013
As many have said, Mr. B was more than just our teacher. He was our friend, confidant, and supporter who made his classroom a safe haven for students of every background and walk of life. I've never met someone who could fill any room with laughter and who exuded such positive energy. I looked forward to his class everyday knowing that I would not only learn about history but also about life and how to be an extraordinary person, just like Mr. B.
Cat Mayo
June 19, 2013
Mr. Bryant, what more could you say about a man that encompassed so much of what being a teacher is all about? He was marvelous at his job, and he loved to teach us the things we needed to know, and how to be better prepared for what was to come. Indeed, his classroom became a home for so many students at Riverdale, a place to find solace from the everyday high school drama. He will certainly always be remembered as a man that not only taught us to think, but how to just be. Thank you Mr. Bryant, we will miss you.
seth leverette
June 19, 2013
Mr Bryant was the best teacher I ever had and was a real down to earth man! Keep on jamming in that great gig in the sky brother
Chris Ford
June 19, 2013
I admit that I was not the best student in High School, but when I attended Mr. Bryants' class, I remembered everything! He is why I took Anthropology at MTSU! I will never forget the Pink Floyd poster he had hanging up in the classroom. A great man and teacher!
Anthony "Amp" Harrell
June 19, 2013
Mr. Bryant changed my life. That is all that I can say. I entered his class as a clueless, sheltered boy, and left high school as a man with a sharper world view. Everything from the distortions of history by those who passed it on to religion, drugs, and politics was discussed in his classroom. He didn't teach us about "school." He taught us about life. And the lessons I learned in his sanctuary of sanity...may they never be forgotten. Thank you, old friend. I hope you found the Happy Field of Food.
Patrick White
June 19, 2013
Joe and I had classrooms next to each other in L-Building for many years at Riverdale. His presence filled L-Hall, as it was the place for kids to hang out and find refuge in Mr. Bryant's room. It didn't matter if you were his student or not--you were always welcomed in his room. I've never known a teacher who was loved by more students. Joe loved the kids, and they loved him for the priceless gift he gave them...the space to be themselves.
Cathy Sniderman
June 19, 2013
Joe was an excellent teacher and a great friend. He taught two of my children, and they remember him with great respect and love. My prayers go out for his family and friends.
Michael Bryant
June 19, 2013
Joe was a brother and a friend to so many of us. His life made the world a better place.
Lil Welch
June 19, 2013
It was always a pleasure spending time with Joe. The students and faculty at Riverdale were blessed to have known this wonderful man.
Miranda Troup
June 19, 2013
A huge part of my high school experience took place in Mr. B's classroom. I'll never forget his one-of-a-kind humor or his kind heart. He will be missed greatly, largely in part by his students.
RICKEY FIELD
June 19, 2013
TO THE JOE BRYANT FAMILY ,JOE WAS AWESOME MAN TO WORK WITH HE ALWAYS SMILING LOVING ON STUDENTS EVERYONE WHO HAD AS A TEACHER EXCELL GOD HAS A GREAT MAN ON HIS TEAM ,FAMILY KEEP ON REJOICING KNOWING THAT THAT YOUR HUSBAND AND DAD LEFT A LEGACY HER IN MURFRESSBORO AND AT 802 WARRIOR DRIVE GOD BE WITH YOU AND BE IN PEACE.
Eddie Toombs
June 19, 2013
By far my favorite teachers. He was the only teacher I had that treated us like people not kids. You will be missed thank you Mr. B.
Phillip Powell
June 19, 2013
A great man, a great friend, a great teacher. Thank you Mr. Bryant. You will be missed.
Angela Petty
June 19, 2013
Mr. Bryant was one of only a few teachers I can say that really taught me something. He had an amazing personality and through my years at riverdale high school would always stop me and ask how I was doing. I thought about Mr. Bryant quite a few times and as I passed by my old high school thought about going in to say hello and thank him for being an awesome teacher. I really wish I had done that! Rest easy Mr. B..I will never forget you!
Thomas Williams
June 18, 2013
Mr. Bryant was the most influential teacher I had. His constant juvenile sense of humor was a great reminder to not take life too seriously. We have lost a great man and a great friend.
Saundra Robinson
June 18, 2013
Mr. Bryant was one of the sweetest, funniest, and most interesting teachers I have ever had. He was well-loved and trusted by all his students. I enjoyed having him as a history teacher. It definitely made the subject more interesting. He will truly be missed, but with a kind heart like his, I'm sure I will be seeing him again soon. Mr. B, you are loved and missed.
Susan Rutledge
June 18, 2013
What a great teacher. He left an impact with everyone he met. Thoughts and prayers going out to the entire family during this difficult time.
Amy Bryan Murphy
June 18, 2013
I was so saddened to hear of Mr Bryant's passing. He was a wonderful teacher. He was able to touch so many lives thru his teaching includng my own. Such a caring, funny, intelligent man. Riverdale was so lucky to have him for so long. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family. May God give you all comfort and peace. Class of 94'
Johnathon Schleicher
June 18, 2013
The English language lacks the power to adequately describe the quality of Mr. Bryant to the full extent that he deserves. This extraordinary teacher and mentor impacted too many students to quantify in a number, and the lessons this man imparted upon us were not limited to the fields of US or Ancient History. He taught me more about life and myself than any book could (and also more than any other teacher cared to.)
Those who knew him best will understand that you should not weep for his passing, but instead celebrate the life that he lived. Sporting a pony tail and flip flops to class dictated the atmosphere of his classroom; his passing should be no different. Laugh and be marry, for Heaven has inherited an incredible guardian.
Chris Weller
June 18, 2013
Of all the teachers I've ever had, Mr. Bryant had easily the greatest impact on me. He was always there for his students, whether it was educating them on history, educating them on life, or just being an ear. The world is now a darker place without his presence.
Alden House
June 18, 2013
I don't think it is possible for me to put to words how much an impact Mr. Bryant had on my life, as he completely changed my world view. Good bye, and thank you, Mr. Bryant.
Dee Wesser
June 18, 2013
Joey, was my baby brother, but I probably learned more from him than he ever learned from me. I am so proud of him and and happy to know that so many have been blessed by him. His days here on earth are over,but we know he is at peace now.
Lindsey (Jacobi) Wiley
June 18, 2013
Althought I was never a student in one of your classes... You still taught me more than you think. Thanks for everything!!!
Shannon Ponder
June 18, 2013
Mr.Bryant was a phenomenal teacher.I will never forget what an inspiration he was.No matter how bad my day was when i walked in his room it changed.He would always make me smile.He was always a fun teacher.He taught us on a level that made us want to learn. The students going into Riverdale that never will have the chance to learn history from this man really are really missing out.RIP Mr.Bryant you will be missed
Alé Frazier
June 18, 2013
He was more than an academic teacher, he was a teacher of life. I believe I am forever changed due to this man's presence in my life. I'm honored to have known him. Thank you for being a friend in that crazy time called high school
Ryan DeHoff
June 18, 2013
Mr. Bryant was cut from a different cloth than everyone else. He was such a kind, intellectual, and inspiring person. It is a shame he wasn't able to finish his life story.
Cory Brandt
June 18, 2013
R.I.P Mr. B..You were an awesome teacher and a great friend. You will be missed.
Jeanette Caruthers
June 18, 2013
Sherry, I'm so sorry to hear of your husbands passing --my prayers are with you and your family --if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know
Erik Merchant
June 18, 2013
Never had a teacher that created a better environment for his students. Mr. Bryant was more than a teacher to most of us, he was our friend. He is a friend that i will dearly miss. The world is a darker place without you Mr. B. Rest easy and I will see you again someday
Jessi Stephens
June 18, 2013
It was so shocking to hear of Mr. Bryant's death, it stunned us all. He was a great teacher, a great friend, and a great man. He will be missed by many students, and even parents.
Karen Finchum
June 18, 2013
A true inspiration to his students. A teacher who cared that we learned and took an interest in it. I will always hold his memory in the highest regard. A truly special person!
June 18, 2013
My daughter was a member of YAWS, and she informed my oldest son of his passing. I, then saw the obituary from another young adult that loved him. When I saw his picture, I was like, "I remember him"! For I too, went to Riverdale, and I obviously remember him because of his kindness to me during that high school outcast time. Thanks Mr. Bryant for being a friend to me and my children! I'm sure God is rejoicing to have one of his soldiers home! Traci (Johnson) Stephens
Dawn Wesser
June 18, 2013
I learned from my Uncle Joe to know there is a time to take life seriously and most of the time NOT to, lol. He always had a smile and a hug for me and he was always interested in my dreams and listened to my trials. I know that our lives will go on but it will never be the same without his moments of wisdom wrapped in his whimsical ways. I will love him and wait for the days we will interact again.
Chris Taylor
June 17, 2013
Rest easy Mr. Bryant. Your legacy lives on in the lives of your family, students, and all of those you influenced. It's a legacy to be proud of.
I'll always hold in you in the highest regard. You taught acceptance before it was a cool. You'll be missed.
Marie Agee
June 17, 2013
You were the light in many lives, Joey. We will miss you.
Carol Burns
June 17, 2013
So saddened to hear about Mr. Bryant's death. He was a "student's" teacher...they all loved him, including my daughter. Praying for God's comfort during this tragic time.
Carol Burns
Susan Burns
June 17, 2013
Mr. Bryant was easily one of the best teachers at Riverdale. I had him for at least three classes, homeroom one year plus he was our YAWS sponsor - so, I can hardly think of Riverdale without thinking of Mr. Bryant. He encouraged us every day to think for ourselves, question what we're told and do our own research. Every day he tried to shake our idea of the status quo in some way. I'm so sorry to hear that he is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Hopefully there is some comfort in knowing that his impact on this world was immense... that there are thousands who were forever changed by merely walking into his classroom. I am one of them.
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