Earnest Lamar Bryant

Mr. Earnest Lamar Bryant, 94, of Patterson, passed away late Wednesday evening, March 13, 2024, at his residence.

Born in Blackshear, GA on October 17, 1929, he lived in Pierce and Bacon Counties all his life.  Mr. Bryant was a Carman for CSX Transportation, retiring after 34 years of service.  Following his retirement, he went into farming which he did for several years.  Mr. Bryant was a member of the Blackshear Masonic Lodge - #270.  In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing but in his later years he really enjoyed a good ole nap.  Watching Westerns and tv shows about nature as well as being outdoors and riding the golf cart around the neighborhood were also things he loved to do.  Mr. Bryant was a member of Offerman Baptist Church but was a former member and deacon of Bristol Baptist Church.

He was a son of the late Earnest Carrol & Lilah Alethea Lee Bryant.  He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Elmer Thomas; his first wife, Sarah Louise “Sis” Smith Bryant; a son, Wayne Bryant; both of his sisters, Hazel King and Waunel English; two brothers, Tracy Bryant and Gordon Thomas; and a step-daughter, Holly Thornton.

Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Oletha Taylor Bryant of Patterson; his son and daughter-in-law, Terry & Nina Bryant of Alma; five step-children, Rick Thornton of Middleburg, FL, Rhonda (Ken) Kinsey of Yulee, Lendol (Barbara) Thornton of Hilliard, FL, Belinda Carter Crowder of Patterson, and Katrina (Doel) Conti of Folkston; 4 grandchildren, Jennifer (Donald) Eason, Alesia (Joey) Buckholts, Jonathan Bryant, and Allison (George) Dyal; 6 great grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 13 step-great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Bryant will be held Sunday afternoon, March 17, 2024, at 5 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Loren Bryant and Rev. R. C. James officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Ramah Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA  31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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