Name: Visitation for Donald Ray Bear Bryant
Start: 2015-01-29T17:30:00.000Z
End: 2015-01-29T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Jacksonville Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery

BRYANT Donald Ray Bear Bryant of Jacksonville passed away January 22nd, 2015. He was a beloved husband, father and Papa . Born to Retha and James W. Bryant July 13, 1941 in Jasper, FL, he moved to Jacksonville at a young age with his family where his Dad owned and operated a barber shop. Don grew up watching the elder Bryant cut hair and thought this was something he could do so his father sent him to barber school and he became the youngest barber in the state of Florida at the age of 13. Don graduated from Paxon in 1959 where he played football, basketball and baseball. Baseball ended up being his ultimate calling as he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers organization in 1959. The 6'6 catcher was nicknamed Bear by his baseball teammates. After several years in the minor leagues with various teams he got his shot at the big leagues in 1966 with the Chicago Cubs and again in 1969 and 1970 with the Houston Astros. His career eventually landed him in Boston as a coach 1974-1976 which was highlighted by a trip to the 1975 World Series where the Red Sox faced the Cincinnati Reds in one of most memorable series of all time. He was a coach in the 1976 and 1979 All Star games and coached with the Seattle Mariners from 1977-1980 before leaving the game. Maintaining his barber s license throughout the years he continued to cut hair and returned full time to barbering at his own shop, Don s Barber Shop on Highway Avenue for many years. Don was a very kind hearted person who genuinely loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. He is survived by his loving wife Judi (Lowery), his mother and father (father passed 1/26/15), brothers Clyde (Carol) and Jim, sister Judy Gneisig (Fred), 3 children Darrell Taylor/stepson (Susan), Darren Bryant and Wendy Wood (Shane), 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Services will be held Thursday January 29th . Family will be receiving friends beginning at 12:30 followed by a service at 2:00. Jacksonville Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 111 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL, 32073. Please sign the guest book at www.jacksonvillememorygardens.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union on Jan. 28, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bryant

Sponsored by Jacksonville.com.

37 Entries

Cory Daugherty

February 23, 2015

I want to pass along my family's condolences. We knew Don through his barber shop where I and my sons would get our hair cut. Met his Dad, as well. Always a great smile and would remember details of our lives. He always asked about Lake City (where I grew up). He was an admirable man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless.

Mark Baldwin

February 21, 2015

Angel Ables

February 15, 2015

Uncle Don was a very kind and compassionate man. His gentle spirit will be missed and remembered always. We love you.

Fred & Patty

February 15, 2015

Patty and I were saddened with the passing of Donald.He was a good friend and a great athlete. We always enjoyed seeing you and Donald at the reunions.I'll always remember working on the reunions with Donald and the committe.Of course our job was sticking on address labels and licking stamps but, we always did a good job and had fun doing it. He will be missed by Patty and I, and all of his many friends.

Tom Hagler

February 15, 2015

Don was a good friend during our high school years and I always admired his athletic prowess. But it was during the many years following graduation that I learned he was a better person. We will miss you, Don.

Judy Bryant Gneisig

February 13, 2015

My heart is still hurting over the loss of my dear brother and Daddy. I, along with my whole family, will get through this rough time of missing Donald and Daddy by just knowing that they are together - as they were for so many years working side by side at the barber shop. Donald is no longer in pain and Daddy is there by his side forever. Love and miss you Donald and Daddy.

Tom and Glenda

February 12, 2015

We were so lucky to have Don our cousin and then become our brother in law. Tom and Don shared wonderful times as kids and then to become kin again when he married Judi. He was warm and gentle and we will miss him forever. Glad you are in no more pain.Love,

Sandra and Stanley Mizell

February 12, 2015

Donald was so much more than just a classmate or friend he was just an all-around great guy. He loved all of us and we loved him. He truly was a gentle giant. Most of all We are so grateful that Donald and Judi loved each other and had so many good years together. Thanks for the memories.

Walt and Susan Robinson

February 12, 2015

From the moment we met Don and Judi looking for a lot in our neighborhood we knew we would become great friends. Walt and I will cherish all the fun times and wonderful memories spent together. We'll always remember Don as such a kind hearted person with a beautiful smile, but most of all how much he loved and adored Judi. We know you are going through an extremely difficult time Judi, but want you to know you will always remain close and we will always be there for you.

Joy Bryant-Baucum

February 11, 2015

Missing Uncle Donald so much. I miss hearing his voice on weekly calls, missing his smile (do not remember when he wasn't smiling), missed him last weekend at dad's surprise 70th birthday. Each day is getting harder but I know you and Grandaddy are cutting hair again in heaven. Grandaddy I think knew you left this earth and he gave up too so he could be with you.

Lauren Lambert

February 11, 2015

Don was such a pleasant man to be around. I am so happy to have had him for a neighbor, even if only for a few short years. I will never eat homemade ice cream without thinking of him. He was a great man and will be missed.

Gayla Griffin

February 11, 2015

A man that was truly loved and well thought of as showed by all those that paid their last respects at his funeral. He will be missed by us all but none more than you, Judi. Saying it will get easier doesn't help at this time but know that your family and friends are always here for you to lean on.

Don, may you rest in eternal peace.

With love,

February 11, 2015

I'm so glad we got to know Do even though we didn't get to see him often. He was such a kind and caring person. I'm glad I had the opportunity to make the trip to Jacksonville to attend his funeral. My prayers are with you, Judi, that you will find comfort and peace in your life.

Love you, Virginia

Brian, Brittany, and Addison Taylor

February 11, 2015

We were truly blessed to have such a loving, caring, and fun loving Papa. He loved us 3 boys unconditionally and was the type of role model I hope I can be for my children and grandchildren. We miss him dearly, and he will be in our hearts forever.

Gloria and B,J. Jones

February 9, 2015

Don the gentle giant was the most loving kind man.His soft voice will never be forgotten. I know he loved my sister Judi and will forever be remembered in each and every heart.

Judi Bryant, his wife

February 8, 2015

Thanks to all who sent cards, food, flowers and condolences in honor of Don. He was, as others have said, a gentle and caring man. He was the love of my life, my sole mate and my husband for 39 years. I will forever miss him.

February 5, 2015

So sorry for your loss.

Sally Wendenland Skipper

Robin Sever Moran

February 4, 2015

So very sorry for your loss
Prayers for the Bryant family

Donna Tanner Flowers Ganas

January 31, 2015

I am so sorry that I was unable to attend the visitation or the funeral, as I only learned about the passing of Don and his father this afternoon. Like so many others, Don and his father cut hair for four generations of males in our family. No one, and I mean no one, could cut hair like Don could. The males in our family have been lost without Don's expertise. He was loved and so highly thought of by our family and countless others. We visited him in the hospital a year or so ago, but tried to keep up with him through the grapevine. Please know that he made a huge impact on so many lives. He was very much a role model for my son, Adam, who thought the world of him. We visited the cemetery late this afternoon and saw all the beautiful flowers on Don's grave. He will be sorely missed and we pray for his wife, Judi, their children, and his mother, Mrs. Bryant, as they find their way during this sad time of Don's passing and his father also. God bless each of them.

January 30, 2015

Judy. So sorry to hear about Don's passing. We will always remember how gentle and kind he was. Our prayers go out to you and the family sincerely Loretta and Dave McDonnell

Adam & Karen Byrd

January 29, 2015

Best Barber a guy could know. Mr Don will be dearly missed. The family is in our thoughts and prayers. Adam and Karen Byrd

January 29, 2015

I didn't know Donald, but I wish I had. I would have loved to talk with him about his days at Fenway. Dear Bryant Family please accept my sincere heartfelt condolences. May this very special man RIP with all of the other great ones who went before him.
~Laurie Williams, White Springs, FL

Larry & Penny Rigdon

January 29, 2015

Donald and his dad were our barbers thru 5 generations of the Rigdon family. Donald always would ask about each of our family as he cut hair. He inspired and encouraged my boys as he cut their hair. He coached my youngest son Paul as he cut his hair and volunteered his time as a coach at Trinity so he could work with Paul as a catcher. Paul went on to be a Major League Pitcher and Donald would always advise and give encouragement to him. Brady can't find a barber to cut hair like Donald. He is already greatly missed by our family. All round Great Guy.

Dan LaFavor

January 29, 2015

I got to know Don when we coached baseball together at Temple Christian School. I believe that was 1988. He was a fine fellow. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathy goes out to his family.

Shirley DaPra

January 29, 2015

Our hearts are broken for you and your family. Don was my dad's one and only barber. Our prayers are for God's loving arms to hold you close to His tender heart to help ease the pain.

January 29, 2015

what a great family...don always helped me with my basebal team at trinity christian with advice he was always willing to help and his dad gave me and my son our first haircut. his dad came to our house and gave my dad his final cut he was to sick to get to the barber shop. rest in peace mr bryant and don

Jerry Kimbrell

January 28, 2015

To the Bryant family, Our hearts are saddened by the double loss of Don and Mr. Bryant, I couldn't imagine the pain, Mr. Bryant gave me my first haircut at 1 year old as he did my entire family, when he retired Don took over, Don gave my dad his last haircut in 2010, 3 days before his passing, He came to my dads house and cut it and tried not to charge for it, he had a big heart and will be truly missed !

berry godwin

January 28, 2015

so sorry to here this of don & his dad. they were my barbers for over 45 years was just there last week at barber shop. ask about them both every trip. this is so sad .will miss you both. god speed. you will be miss.

Ann Pearson

January 28, 2015

Judy, you are in our hearts and prayers. Know your Sun Wheeler friends are here for you!Ann and Doug

debbie ellison

January 28, 2015

we are sorry to hear about don , you all in our prays and thoughts

Mary Ann Steinmeyer Smith

January 28, 2015

Judi, Thoughts and prayers be with you and the Bryant family in this sad time.

ROBERT & JOY WATERS

January 28, 2015

Dear Judi and family,
Joy and I were saddened to hear of Don;s passing. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this sad and trying time.

Lynda Parham Keane (class of '64)

January 28, 2015

To the Bryant family;

I was so saddened to read of Don's passing as well as Mr. Bryant. I know you all must be deeply affected by this double loss.

Was wonderful to see them both at the last multi-class reunion.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

Take comfort in His promise that one day we will all be together again.

Love and prayers,

DIANE JONES

January 28, 2015

DEAR JUDI, MY BLESSINGS AND PRAYERS GO TO YOU AND DON'S FAMILY. I WAS SHOCKED TO READ ABOUT HIM THEN IT SAID HE LOST HIS FATHER JAN. 15TH. SUCH A SAD THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY. I ENJOYED TALKING WITH HIM ABOUT BASEBALL AT THE REUNIONS. HE WAS SUCH A KIND MAN & MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU AT THIS TIME. LOVE & HUGS, DIANE JONES

January 28, 2015

Don was always a good friend through school and after. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Sheila & David Fore

Ann & Bill Crabtree

January 28, 2015

Dear Judi & Family

Thoughts and Prayers to you during this sad time.

I know the wonderful life time of memories you shared with Don will be forever in your heart.

Mike Stanley

January 28, 2015

To all the Bryant family,I as many others will miss Don. He was a kind and caring man.I would always go to the shop late in the day. What I think what I will miss most are the conversations we would have as the shop was closing. He would sit there and just enjoy the moment of relaxation he did not get during the day. May God bless you in this time.

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