Bryant, William

Smithfield, Virginia
William “Billy” R. Bryant, Sr., 63, a resident of Burwells Bay Rd., Smithfield, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at his home. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he was the son of the late Marshall Lee Bryant, Sr. and Frances Gay Bryant Atkins. Billy was a retired welder who was devoted to his trade, an avid gardener; and a devoted family man who will never be forgotten.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Sandra Gainey Bryant; his children, William R. Bryant, Jr. and wife Sheila, and Sheila Bryant Epperley and husband, David; four grandchildren, Jeremy Epperley, Lauren Epperley, Ellis Bryant, Emmie Bryant; brothers, Sammy Bryant, Marshall L. Bryant and his wife, Shirley, Jimmy Bryant and his wife, Connie, and Dickie Bryant; sister-in-law, Linda Gainey; mother-in-law, Lillian Gainey; and a host of nieces, nephews; very devoted friends; and family dog, “Smokey”. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a sister, Rosa Jean Bryant, and a brother, Robert Lee Bryant, Sr.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Mill Swamp Baptist Church, Ivor, with the Rev. Jim Jones officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday, August 2nd from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. and at other times at the residence. Memorial donations may be made to the Mill Swamp Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Becky Munford, 8100 Mill Swamp Rd., Ivor, VA 23866. Director Brian Carroll, Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, assisted the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be posted on our website at www.jtmorriss.com.