Willie Edward Bryant, Sr. was born on May 2, 1952, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  He was the part of the seventh birth to Paul Bryant and Theresie Denson and shared this birth to a twin sister, Willie Reese.

Willie attended Arkadelphia Public Schools and received his high school diploma from Arkadelphia High.  Willie also attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia for a short while but chose to become an Emergency medical Technician ( EMT) working for a local hospital.  Other employment included Reynolds Metal in Gum Springs, AR; Shaw Construction in Texarkana, AR, and Super Steamers in Russell, Kansas.

Willie was raised in a Christian home.  At an early age he united with West Gum Springs Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder J.T. Gilmore.  During his last visit to Arkansas during the summer of 2019, Willie renewed this relationship accepting Christ as his personal savior under the leadership of Elder James Banks.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Theresie Bryant; his grandparents, George Denson, Estella Conner, and James and Alice ( Blacknall ) Bryant; siblings, Willie Reese Bryant ( his twin), Emma Lee Freeman, Henry Paul Bryant, Flossie Mae Snowden, Stella Marie Jefferson, and Nancy Carol Walker.

Those who will forever cherish his memory, his significant other, Sherry Gross; seven children, Willie ( Denise ) Bryant, Jr., Shekathi Bryant, and Marceia McGough of Prescott, AR, Courtney ( Lori) Bryant of Great Bend, Kansas, Charles ( Diane) McGough of Colleen, TX, TaNisha Gross and Devan Gross of Russell, Kansas; seventeen grandchildren, Maritza, Locora, jevon, Kyeal, Deshawnna, Courtney, Jr., Kymani, Kamille, Tiffany, Alexis, Ferrando, julius, Jaquet, Teunte, Anissa, laila, and Devan Jr.; seven great grandchildren, Mylee, R.J., Elijah, Amir, Chrystian, Lo'Rena, and Co'Rena; five siblings, Dorothy ( Willie) Felecien of Stockton, CA, Roger (Ruth) Bryant of Prescott, AR, Gerald ( Corma) Bryant of Hot Springs, AR, Flecia ( James) Bass of Arkadelphia, AR, and Belinda Bryant of Fort Worth, TX; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To My Loving Family

I Have Moved On

I had a leak in this old building,
The Lord told me to move on.
I had a pain in this old building
The Lord told me to move on.
I had a heartache in this old building
The Lord told me to move on.
The Lord told me that.
I had a building not made by Man!
I want you to know
That I had to move on.
One day you will look for me and I will be gone.
I will be in a brand new home.
Jesus told me!
In my father's house are many mansions
If it were not so.
I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
I am moving on.
I am going home.
No more pain, no more sorrow.
I am living in my brand new home.
I have moved on!

Love Always, Willie