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BORN
1934
DIED
2017
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JT Bryant Obituary
Merritt Island
Joel Thomas (JT) Bryant, 83 of Merritt Island, Florida, died on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Wuesthoff Medical Center in Rockledge, Florida. He was born on February 2, 1934 in St. Joe, Texas and spent his childhood years in Oklahoma and his home town of Tularosa, New Mexico. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War era and stationed in Alaska. Following his military service, JT began his professional career with Lockheed Missiles and Space (LM&S) at White Sands, New Mexico where he met and married the love of this life, Janiece Hemphill. Soon after starting their life together, LM&S transferred JT to the Florida Space Coast, and the couple packed up their young family and moved to Cocoa, Florida where JT enjoyed a successful 35-year career with LM&S, retiring in 1992 as the Director of Business for the LM&S Florida Missile Test Facility. JT was a leader not only at work, but also in his personal life. He served as a Deacon in his church and led the construction of his family's home, deploying a network of friends and family to complete the project. During his retirement years, JT was an avid investor and stock analyst and he and his wife traveled frequently, pursuing their goal to visit landmark mountain ranges from Alaska to the Norwegian Fjords. JT is survived by his wife, Janiece Bryant; three daughters, Julie Nelson, Jana Bryant and Joy Bryant; four grandchildren, Chanda DiPerna, Shereen Luchten, Sondra Meyer, and Chad Bryant; five great grandchildren, Emoree Luchten, Evan DiPerna, Rylee DiPerna, Austin Bryant and William Greyson Meyer; his sister, Norma Jean Bryant and his cousin, Mary Louise McGuire. His proudest moments were celebrating the accomplishments of his family, and he was always the one everyone went to for advice and counsel. A special person, JT was serious when he needed to be, but loved to have fun with his family and friends, especially the kids. He will be greatly missed. A Visitation will be held from 10-11am on Wednesday, June 7 in the chapel at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island followed by a funeral service at 11am. Interment will be at Florida Memorial Gardens.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Florida Memorial Funeral Home.
6 Entries
Anita Farr
June 7, 2017
The world lost a very good man. I wish we had lived closer together so I could have experienced his cooking for myself. I will always remember how much he loved his family and how good he was to my Aunt Tootsie. Just know my heart is with you all.
Dee and Lowell Loadholtz
June 6, 2017
J.T. Bryant was a genuine friend of quite, gentle demeanor. One who showed great love for his family and his Lord. He was also a wonderful cook and host to many. He will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved him. We share your loss.
Dee and Lowell Loadholtz
June 6, 2017
J.T. Bryant was a genuine friend of quiet gentle demeanor. One who showed great love for his family and his Lord. He was a great dinner cook and host. He will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved him. We share your loss.
Dee and Lowell Loadholtz
Beverly Pilkington
June 6, 2017
Your family and mine have been such good friends all my life. I can't remember a time when the Bryants weren't part of our lives, sharing joys and holding each other up in hardship. My parents send their love. You are all in my prayers.
Love,
Bill, Joyce, Beverly
Ann Foster
June 6, 2017
I remember him as the quiet rock of the family. I love the youthful picture of you two. Our love and sympathy, Ann and Alan Foster
Suga Cherven
June 6, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss seeing J.T's smiling face and soft demeanor on Thursday mornings.May God comfort you and your family in your time of need.
With loving thoughts,
Suga, Freida, Joe and Chris
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