Lee Nathan Bryant

Lee Nathan Bryant passed away on December 2, 2025, at the age of 69 in Columbus, Ohio, after 15 years of a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Lee was born in Ironton, Ohio, to Louis Nathan and Virginia Smart Bryant. He is a 1974 graduate of Ironton High School and a 1981 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry. He practiced optometry for 35 years in Ironton, Ohio, and Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, and Logan, West Virginia where he was beloved by his patients.

Lee was one of the biggest Ohio State fans in existence, and passed on his love for the Buckeyes to his sons, Scott and Aaron Bryant. Scott graduated from Ohio State in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and in 2014 with a master’s degree in educational administration. Aaron graduated from Ohio State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Their legacy carries on with a brick outside Ohio Stadium’s South Stands.

Lee was known to friends and family as having a memory that surpassed understanding. He could remember every story, every life event, and every moment that mattered. Not just to him, but to his friends and family as well. He was a Parrothead that listened to Jimmy Buffett’s Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays on repeat. His humor could brighten the darkest room. He cared about making sure everyone he knew was happy. No one who met Lee could forget him. He loved Pecan Sandies cookies, Unfrosted Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop Tarts, and Diet Pepsi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Virginia Bryant. He is survived by his sons, Scott (Katrina Marschner) Bryant, of Pickerington, Ohio, and Aaron (Kelly) Bryant, of North Olmsted, Ohio, his sister, Mary Frances (Kevin) Gunderson, of Ashland, Kentucky, his grandchildren, Parker and PJ Bryant, of Pickerington, Ohio, and Spencer and Blair Bryant, of North Olmsted, Ohio, his niece Rachel (Mark) Johanson, of Columbus, Ohio, and nephews Eric (Leslie) Near of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and Jesse (Sarah) Near of Covington, Kentucky. Also survived are his ex-wife and mom of his kids Tonda (Jeff) Hiestand, of Ona, West Virginia, and his bonus “step” daughter, Taylor Hiestand of Columbus, Ohio, who all provided support and love to him.

He also is survived by many college and high school friends, who never hesitated to make sure he could still attend football games, fantasy football drafts, class reunions, and more than a few lunches at the Pickerington Roosters and Pizza Cottage, especially Rick Mayne, Mike Justice, Steve Johann, Kevin Waldo, Jeff Ahrns, Clint McElroy, and Tim and Tom Neal.

A memorial wake and celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1-4 pm at the Pickerington Event Center at 19 N. Center St., Pickerington, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.