Ernest E. Bryant Jr.

Ernest E. "Butch" Bryant Jr., 75, of Piedmont, SC, a beloved family man and dedicated veteran, passed away on March 31, 2025. Born on August 7th, 1949, in Liberty, SC, to the late Ernest and Geneva Bryant, Butch lived a life marked by kindness, unwavering devotion to his family, and a profound sense of pride in his service to his country.

Butch served in the United States Air Force for twenty years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1989. His time in the military was not just a job; it was a point of pride, a commitment he kept with dedication, retiring precisely after the amount of time he had planned. He was rarely seen without one of his veterans' hats or his veteran-themed vest – both “trademarks” for him. It was a testament to his love for his country and his journey through life.

After his military service, Butch and his family returned to Greenville, SC, where he worked as an LSM operator with the United States Postal Service for 20 years. He was known for his ability to memorize multitudes of zip codes and coordinate the accurate delivery of thousands of pieces of mail each day. His meticulous attention to detail was emblematic of his character — someone who took great pride in his work and sought perfection in all he did.

Butch was a soft-spoken, kind-hearted soul. His gentle, mild-mannered spirit and generous heart were unmatched. His love for his late, beloved wife, Phyllis, was strong and constant during their 45 years of marriage. They were the epitome of Soul Mates. Her passing in 2014 left a void in him. He never stopped loving or missing her.

Butch was the Proudest Papa to four granddaughters. He completely adored them. Every August, he took them back-to-school shopping for everything they needed, and most of what they wanted. The trip was usually to Georgia and always included a late lunch on the way home. It was a tradition that Papa Bear and granddaughters alike looked forward to with great excitement.

Outside of family life, Butch found joy in a variety of interests. He had a special place in his heart for animals, raising St. Bernards with Phyllis for many years. Every family pet seemed to choose him as their “person” in the family. Maggie, his Westie, was especially dear to him after losing Phyllis. Butch also loved sports, particularly the Braves, and spent leisurely afternoons enjoying golf and indulging in ice cream. He was on the golf course every chance he got, which he greatly missed in recent years. On most of his birthdays, he was on the course and usually met his goal of “golfing his age.” He would very proudly tell you about his two “holes-in-one” and show off the plaques commemorating them! He was known for his skills in bowling, engaging in leagues and winning many titles during his years in service, including the “King of the Rock” tournament on Okinawa in the late 1980s. The phrase “resting my eyes,” cleverly masked his habit of napping, adding a touch of humor to his everyday life.

Most importantly, Butch's legacy lies in the roles he cherished the most: as a devoted husband, father, and Papa. His life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and the countless ways he made those around him feel appreciated and cared for. Though he may have departed from this world, the impact he made on the lives of his family will echo through their hearts forever.

He is survived by two children, Ernest E. Bryant III and Angela Netecke (Patrick); four grandchildren, Olivia Hedstrom (Christian), Emily Netecke, Abigail Netecke, and Reilly Netecke; three sisters, Joyce Courter (Max), Barbara Nix (Ron), and Olivia Workman (Jerry); as well as his mother-in-law, Esther Hall. In addition, there are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by two siblings, Larry Bryant and Linda Owens.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 PM at Robinson Funeral Home - Powdersville Road. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516, or The Greenville County, SC Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.