Elmer Leon "Lonny" Bryant

Elmer Leon (Lonny) Bryant, age 75, was born January 22, 1950, in Brinkley, Arkansas to Ruby Jean (Billie) Askew Bryant and Joe Cecil Bryant and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee.
Lonny was an absolute patriot and served in the United States Army in the Vietnam War. He entered the military in 1969 and was a warrant officer (CW2) flying gunship helicopters. He engaged in combat and performed search and rescue missions.
In 1971 his helicopter was shot down. Lonny was wounded, rescued, and received care in a Japanese hospital. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his courageous service. The Purple Heart is the oldest military award in the United States. He returned home to a very grateful family, wife, and small son.
He recovered and worked for the Memphis Fire Department for many years.
Lonny was fun, outgoing, and very quick witted. He was one of 7 children and kept us all entertained. In later years, he enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters.
He moved to Covington, Tennessee in 2018 to be near his family.
Lonny was reared in the Baptist faith.
He is survived by two granddaughters, Haley Bryant Witt and Tessa Bryant in Melbourne, Florida; one sister, Carolyn Bryant Whaley, Covington, Tn; and two brothers, Bobby Bryant (Sue) of Covington, Tn and Jerry Bryant (Martha) of Byhalia, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby Jean (Bille) Askew Bryant and Joe Cecil Bryant and son Gregory Leon Bryant; one brother, Richard D. Bryant; and two sisters, Brenda Bryant Smith, and Gwen Bryant Coffee, and niece, Katherine Renee Cozart; and brother-in law, Larry Wayne Whaley.
The graveside service will be held at Covington Memorial Gardens on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Lonny was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Wounded Warriors Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation or any veterans group of your choice.