John Bryant Jr.

John Bryant Jr., age 80 of 609 Cox Maddox Rd., Sanford, NC passed on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Westfield Rehabilitation And Health Center, Sanford, NC.

John Bryant, Jr. was born October 31, 1937 in Broadway, North Carolina to the late Letitia and John Bryant, Sr.  He was reared on a farm and learned to work hard in the tobacco fields and in the woods cutting logs.

John was educated in the Lee County Public School System, and graduated from W. B. Wicker School in 1956.  He continued his education at Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and an Associate’s Degree in Physical Education, in 1963.  John spent his summers working on the farm and performing other jobs to help finance his education.  He later worked at Lee County Hospital and at Coty, Inc.

While at Fayetteville State, John pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., was a member of the Book club, Socialite Club, Glee Club, and a member of the Rudyaires, an acappella quartet group that performed at local area churches.

John’s first teaching job was at Harnett High School in Dunn, NC where he taught 7th grade.  He also taught at Berkley High School in Aberdeen, NC; J. S. Waters School, Goldston, NC; and Bonlee Elementary School, Bonlee, NC.  He was reassigned to J. S. Waters during integration.  John would frequently encounter his previous students, who shared fond memories of him as a teacher.

John joined Cameron Grove AME Zion Church at an early age and walked to church during his childhood.  He was an active member singing with the Male Chorus, Gospel and Senior Choirs; serving as a Trustee, and Sunday School scholar and teacher, until his health declined.  John loved reading, singing, listening to Gospel music (Sam Cooke and quartet music) and visiting with family and friends.  His favorite Gospel groups were:  The Soul Stirrers, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Blind Boys of Mississippi and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

He loved listening to the “Country Boy”, Walter Hatcher, on WXKL radio and would often call- in for special song requests.  

John was a member of Sanford Masonic Lodge #101.

This year brought many drastic changes to John’s life.  Through it all, he always kept his sense of humor knowing that God is good, and His grace is sufficient and His mercy everlasting.

John is survived by his only child, Lori Ellen Bryant; his sisters, Odessa Williams and Fannie Headen; brother, Charles Bryant (Rebie); and step-sister, Sally Ann Hailey; two devoted nieces who dutifully supported him during his illness, Janice Sharpe and Rhonda Williams, and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford