Colonel Floyd Bryant

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford Colonel Floyd Bryant, Jr., 81, passed away on August 24, 2025 at his residence in Harmontown, Mississippi. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford (601 Commerce Parkway, Oxford, MS 38655). A funeral service will be Saturday, August 30, 2025, immediately following the visitation at 3 p.m., also at Coleman Funeral Home, with Bro. Randy Hope officiating. Interment will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery (4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, Florida 32218) on September 5, 2025 at 9:30 a.m EST. Floyd was born on February 10, 1944 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Floyd Bryant, Sr. and Harvey Mae Seymour Bryant. His life was marked by a profound commitment to service, leadership, and a deep connection to his roots. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he achieved the well-earned rank of Eagle Scout and served thirty-nine years in leadership at the unit and council level. He earned membership in the Order of the Arrow, the honor society for Scouting America. He immersed himself not only in Scouting, but also in the rich traditions of Native American culture, studying the ways of warriors. In a remarkable display of dedication, Floyd undertook a fast for two days and two nights in third grade, inspired by the bravery of the Native Americans he admired. By age 14, he had crafted his own 'Indian war bonnet,' a testament to his respect and appreciation for their heritage. Floyd's determination led to many academic accomplishments. He was awarded the Optimist Club Junior Citizens Award at Graves Road school in 1958, and graduated from Whitehaven High School in 1962, with a Quota Club Scholarship to Memphis State University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, and was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps as a 2"d Lieutenant. He earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from Nova University. Remarkably, he completed all but his oral defense for a doctorate in Public Administration, which underscored his passion for education and leadership. Colonel Bryant's military career spanned nearly three decades, during which he served his country with honor and distinction. His assignments included Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), CA; Binh Thuy, Vietnam; Shaw AFB, SC; Langley AFB, VA; Eglin AFB, FL; Ankara, Turkey; Grissom AFB, IN; Dyess AFB, TX; Randolph AFB, TX; Air Force Academy, CO; Vandenberg AFB, CA, and Peterson AFB, CO. He was promoted to full colonel in September 1988. At Grissom AFB, his unit was named the best security police unit in Strategic Air Command. At Vandenberg AFB, he oversaw security of missiles and missile launches. His unit was recognized as the best large police unit in Air Force Space Command on two occasions. At Peterson AFB, he was Director of Security for the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and US Space Command, roles that highlighted his leadership acumen in national security. He served as the Department of Defense Manager's Assistant for the Security of Space Shuttle Support. His military education was extensive, including graduation from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) National Academy. He earned the Master Security Police Badge and received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Vietnamese Civic Actions Honor Medal and Gallantry Cross with Palm. After retiring from active duty in 1995, Colonel Bryant continued his commitment to public safety as Chief of Police for Universal City, TX where he collaborated with a dedicated team to ensure the wellbeing of its residents. His service extended beyond law enforcement. His love for his community and his fellow veterans shone through in every endeavor. He was a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Radio Relay League where his ham radio call sign was KB5FCN. After moving to Harmontown, Mississippi, he became a tree farmer, volunteered with RSVP/Stronger Together Oxford, and was a member of the Lafayette County Volunteer Fire Department. He was a caregiver for both his parents and his mother-in-law. Colonel Floyd Bryant leaves behind a legacy of integrity, valor, service and was a friend to many. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His dedication to his country, family, and community will always be remembered. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Faylene Bryant of Harmontown, MS; daughter, Meredith Norteman (Scott) of Saint Johns, FL; son, Dale Bryant (Ashley) of Denham Springs, LA; two sisters, Laura Hope of Water Valley and Ernestine Kelly (Mike) of Saulsbury, TN; two sisters-in-law Anne Landers of Stephens City, VA and Linda Kelley (Bill) of Dickson, TN; one granddaughter, Braxton Bryant of Denham Springs, LA; three grandsons, Reid Norteman of Daytona Beach, FL, Liam Norteman of Saint Johns, FL, and Brody Bryant of Denham Springs, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Floyd is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Bryant, Sr. and Harvey Mae Seymour Bryant; father and mother-in-law Albert and Maggie Hill Floyd; a sister-in-law, Betty Mae Floyd; two brothers-in-law, Bill Landers and Winerford (Sonny) Hope and a grandnephew Jon-Eric Hope. The family asks that donations and memorials in honor of Colonel Floyd Bryant be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) (help.dav.org). The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com