MEMORIES

Seventy-nine years ago on Sunday, March 23, 1941 a soldier was born.  Our grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Estella and Sebron Bryant, Sr. welcomed their baby boy Sebron Bryant, Jr. into the world.  Dad was a playful kid who was full of life. He grew up in Bay City, Texas and was a Hillard High School Class of 1960 graduate.  During this time dad was a member of Mother Zion Baptist Church. 

Following graduation dad decided that he would not wait to be drafted but opted to enlist in the United States Army where he did his basic training in Ft. Polk in Louisiana.  He served in the Army for four years.  After his time of enlistment, he returned home to Bay City for a short period.  Dad decided that being back home in Bay City was not for him at that time.  He reenlisted in The United States Armed Forces. This time he decided to join the Navy.  This decision turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life.  It was in the Navy that dad served our country well.  He served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War as well as other military conflicts.  Dad even served in The Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Storm where he even helped to remove casualties from one of the ships that suffered enemy attack. Being in the Navy dad traveled the world.  From Asia, The Middle East, Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines just to name a few, dad saw and did a lot.

It was in the Philippines that dad met and fell in love with Menchie.  They were married on November 30, 1977 at Subic Bay Philippines.   Dad brought mom to Bay City to set up a stable home for us.  He would ship out and spend time at sea serving our country and providing for his family.  Often when he would come home on leave and surprise us.  He would show up at the door in his Navy uniform unannounced.  It was so good to see him!  Not only was it good to see him, but he would bring us gifts back from around the world.  We had things, toys, and gifts that no other kids in Bay City possessed.  Those were good days.  Dad took pride in teaching us things that we needed to know and things that he learned growing up.  Dad would give us advise.  We learned that dad was not going to tell you what you wanted to hear but what you needed to hear.  That was just him, that’s the way he communicated with everyone, from his nieces and nephews to all his family and friends. 

After twenty-four years of service to the Navy dad decided to retire, having earned the Naval Rank of E-6.  Dad was a hard worker and great provider for mom and the family.  Following his Naval retirement dad work for the State of Texas as a Correctional Officer in Angleton, Texas for ten years.  Following his tenor as a correctional officer he worked as a security guard at the Phillips 66 Plant in Sweeny, Texas for fifteen years.  Dad worked most of his life!

When dad was not working, one could easily find him on the banks with a rod or reel in his hand doing what he loved to do – FISHING!!!!  From red fish to catfish or yellow cats, dad was an avid fisherman.  He also had one of the greatest senses of humor that we know.  He was always joking and laughing.  Even as he experienced health challenges later in life, he would still joke with us.  Through his pain, he encouraged us all and kept us laughing.

He was very loving and kind and most of all he was a fighter!  He fought his battle with cancer just as diligently as he fought for our country in The Vietnam War and in Operation Dessert Storm.  He would push himself to keep us from worrying.  He always remained optimistic and he kept his sense of humor.  He would even make jokes in the car while commuting to and from the Veterans Administration Hospital (The VA) about the side effects he experienced from his Chemo treatments. 

On Monday, March 30, 2020 dad ended his last battle and fell asleep.  He’s resting now.  Dad was our loving, kindhearted, joking, world traveled, Pepsi drinking, fishing, fighting soldier who we will miss a lot.  Loved by his wife of 42 years, Menchie Bryant; children Paula Grice and husband Ben of Van Vleck, Sebron Bryant IV and wife Scarlet Abt of Van Vleck, Seledonio Bryant and wife Becky Guerra of Bay City and Samuel Bryant and wife Rachel Sturgis of Van Vleck, TX; his grandchildren, D'Marcus, Celeste, Sebron, Tiberius, Richard, June, Jasmine, and Selaya; his siblings, Sammy Bryant and Jerry Bryant as well as his nieces, nephews, other family members, friends, military family, previous co-workers and loved ones.

We cannot help but to remember those who transitioned before him including his parents, Sebron and Estella Bryant, Sr.; his siblings, Melba Bryant, Willie Bryant, Lucinda Bryant, Nina Banks, and Lois Bryant; as well as Charlie Sneed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sebron Bryant, Jr., please visit our floral store.