John Clifton Bryant

John Clifton "Cliff" Bryant, affectionately known by many as "John", was born February 17, 1976, in Macon, Georgia, to Johnny Lee Bryant and Carolyn Marie Fountain Bryant (Dowd). On October 5, 2025, he was welcomed into Heaven's gates, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter and love.
He graduated from Jones County High School, Gray, Georgia, in 1994, and attended Georgia College and State University. Throughout his life, he pursued many interests and career paths-including Pharmacy Tech, Respiratory Therapist at Central Georgia Technical College, and the Art Institute of Atlanta. He moved to the Rockmart/Cedartown, Georgia, area where he joined his partner, Steven Quarles, at Headlogix, a computer-focused business. One of his great loves was traveling the country and the world-together they traveled to California, Amsterdam, Victoria Canada, and the Bahamas. As a student in school he traveled to Washington, DC and out west Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Utah visiting Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful, the Arches and Grand Canyon.
Standing at 6'8", Cliff was truly a gentle giant--a people person with a shy, gentle but deep laugh that would put anyone at ease immediately after meeting him. His humility and tenderness were matched only by his compassion. Cliff had a heart that felt deeply-for people, animals, and the world around him. He was known for his empathy, kindness, and willingness to help anyone in need. Animals held a special place in his heart. He would not harm a living creature unnecessarily, believing all life was important and deserved gentleness.
He looked for the best in everyone and was loyal as a friend. Like many, he experienced his share of pain in learning life's lessons, but he always kept up his love for his family and friends. Growing up, his home was often filled with friends playing basketball, sharing funny stories, having good times, and lots of food. His quick mind and clever comebacks helped create an atmosphere of fun and laughter. He also had a natural artistic gift, with his final drawing was of his daughter, Gemma and nephew, Luke Bryant which he finished as a Mother's Day present last year, becoming a lasting testament of his creativity and love.
Most importantly, Cliff lived his life with faith and devotion to his Savior, Jesus Christ. He shared his faith and the Bible with others, especially with his beloved daughter, Gemma. Together, they read Scripture from the Bible before bedtime and prayed on their way to her school-moments that has deeply shaped her faith and spirit. His love for Jesus and family will live on through Gemma, who shares his creativity, intelligence, humor, and dedication to doing God's will and loving Jesus.
Cliff's memory will forever be cherished by his partner of 24 years, Steven Quarles and their adopted daughter, Gemma Ann Marie Bryant-Quarles, mother, Carolyn Dowd (Lloyd), brother, Jonathan Les Bryant and father, Johnny Lee Bryant of Macon, grandmother, Grace Smith of Lumber City, many uncles and aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ann Fountain, Kenneth Fountain, Ralph Bryant, his Aunt Deborah Touchton and Uncles Ernest Fountain of Byron and Ronnie Fountain of Gray.
A memorial gathering with family and friends will be held in the fellowship room on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church, 129 Yukon Rd., Macon, Georgia, followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary at 3 p.m. Pastor Jeff Duncan will officiate, with special remarks by Jay Touchton. Cliff was laid to rest on October 11, 2025, at Whispering Hills Natural Green Cemetery, 3550 Moody Bridge Rd, LaGrange, Georgia. Funeral arrangements were handled by Higgins Funeral Home, 506 Hill St., LaGrange, Georgia. Guests may share memories or sign online registry at https://www.higginslagrangechapel.com or sign the Memorial Book at the service.