Jack Ray Bryant, born September 6, 1936, and passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage, devotion, and a lifetime spent in service to others.

Jack was the son of the late Fred William Bryant and Bertie Lee Gordon Bryant.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two of his sisters, Mary Louise “Weesie” Wilen and Betty Jean Winston.

Jack’s commitment to public service began remarkably early. At just 15 years old, he joined the Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department in Silver Hill, Maryland, setting the foundation for what would become a distinguished and impactful career.

In March 1956, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his first active-duty term as a Flight Engine Mechanic until March 1960. After completing his service, he returned home and continued his calling by joining the Washington, D.C. Fire Department, where he served with honor for 20 years. During his time with the department, Jack earned numerous awards for life-saving actions and acts of bravery, including the prestigious Bronze Bar, the highest level of official recognition awarded by the D.C. Fire Department, for rescuing a man from a fire in November 1981.

Retirement never slowed Jack down. In 1986, he re-enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, serving until his final retirement in 1996 and achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He was activated during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990–1991) and served with the 315th CES Fire Department in Charleston, South Carolina. His leadership and dedication earned him the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for his exemplary service as Assistant Fire Chief at Charleston Air Force Base.

After moving to Conway, South Carolina in 1987, Jack joined the University of South Carolina–Coastal Carolina campus (later Coastal Carolina University) and became the inaugural head of the university’s Fire and Safety Program. He led the program with the same integrity and commitment that defined every chapter of his career, retiring—again—in June 1994.

Jack was also a man of deep and steady faith. He was an active member of his Catholic parish and lived his beliefs through service, humility, and kindness. He was proud to be a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, participating in charitable works and supporting his community through the values he held close.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a loving husband to his wife Jinx, who preceded him in death in 2009, and a devoted father to his four children. Jack was the steady, reassuring presence his family could always turn to—the one who coached life’s lessons, who listened without judgment, and who sometimes let the kids get away with things they knew Mom never would. He showed up for everything: sports games, school events, milestones big and small. He was always involved, always present, always Dad. 

Jack is survived by his sons, Vic Bryant (Linda), Kenneth Bryant (Lea), and David Bryant; daughter, Jackie Peeden (Robert); sister, Shirley Pope; grandchildren, Steve Bryant (Cynthia), Samantha Hamlin (Robbie), Kenny Bryant, and Sarita Bryant; six great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10am in the St. Brendan, the Navigator Catholic Church. Interment will be later this summer in Tennessee State Veterans’ Cemetery, Knoxville, TN with military honors.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made in honor of Jack to the St. Brendan, the Navigator Catholic Church Building Fund as his thank you to the wonderful ministers to the sick and homebound.

Jack Bryant lived a life of purpose, service, faith, and quiet heroism. His impact on the communities he served, the colleagues he mentored, and the family who loved him will endure for generations.