Thomas “Tommy” Alfred Bryant, 74, of Black Mountain, passed suddenly at his home Tuesday, June 2, 2015. He was born April 8, 1941 in Spindale, North Carolina and was a lifelong area resident.
Tommy graduated from Old Fort High School in 1960 and worked as an apprentice at Southern Color Print Corporation in Newport News, Virginia before returning to the area to work as a pressman for the Asheville Citizen-Times from 1968 until his retirement in December 2006.
He was the son of the late James “Rufus” Bryant and Ada Grigg Bryant and was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul Ray Bryant, General Johnson Bryant and William “Ronnie” Bryant.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 53 years, Edna Mae Surrett Bryant; sons Thomas “Tab” Anthony Bryant and Barry Michael Bryant both of Black Mountain; brother James Bryant and wife Frances of Holly, Michigan; sisters Gail Bryant Effler and husband John of Newport News, Virginia; Doris Bryant of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Brenda Bryant McGinnis and Carolyn Bryant McGinnis, both of Hampton, Virginia; grandchildren Lisa Bryant Mason and Dylan Bryant, both of Black Mountain; Toshia Bryant Brown of Weaverville; three great grandchildren, Codey, Jennifer and Daxon; dear friend of the family Barbara Hunt as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Tommy had a kind, gentle spirit with a selfless, giving heart. He was dedicated to his family and loved spending time with them. He was incredibly patient and had an amazing ability to connect with children who in turn, looked up to him. In no time, he became their “hero.”
He was a hard worker but knew how to enjoy life and have a good time. He liked to cook, watch old western films and the “Andy Griffith Show” as well as take trips to the beach. He enjoyed pulling for his favorite NASCAR driver #24 Jeff Gordon and was a loyal St. Louis Rams fan. He loved listening to hard rock music and taking walks at the lake with his beloved rescue dog, “Sugar.”
Tommy had a great sense of humor and appreciated funny stories. His laughter was contagious. It was not uncommon to see him chuckle with such vigor that his entire body shook with laughter. With his passing, friends and family are left with sadness and a void that can never be filled. Though they miss him dearly, his loving memory and the sound of his infectious laughter lives forever in their hearts.
A celebration of Tommy's life will be held Sunday, June 7th at 2pm at Harwood Home for Funerals. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment to follow at Old Fort Cemetery on North Cemetery Street in Old Fort.