Henry Bryant

Mr. Henry Bryant 99, the son of Mr. Henry Bryant, Sr. and Susie Pinkney Bryant was born November 17, 1924 in Green Pond, South Carolina. Our community lost a pillar (Henry Bryant) on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

Mr. Henry Bryant first employment was driving a truck for International Paper Company in Green Pond, South Carolina, that lasted for approximately one year. Afterwards, he joined the Job Corps. Upon completing the Job Corps, Mr. Bryant gained employment with Seaboard Coast Line Railroad in 1947.

In 1966, he became the first black foreman of Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, in Florence, South Carolina.

Mr. Bryant relocated to Florence, South Carolina in 1949. He joined Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Reverend Longfellow “ L. B.” Burgess. As a faithful member, Mr. Bryant served diligently in several capacities of the church such as: a Class Leader; on the Male Usher Board for 55 years, before resigning; as Vice President of the Steward Board for over 25 years; appointed as a Steward every year since 1965; Treasurer for over 40 years, before resigning; on the Male Chorus for over 20 years; President of the Local African Methodist Episcopal Church Lay Organization for 12 years, until resigning; as a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Men in Ministry; elected as Delegate for the African Methodist Episcopal Church General Conference for more than 4 times; and as head Culinary Chef of the Soup Kitchen, for over 15 years. Mr. Bryant was the oldest member of Gate City Lodge #276 in Florence, SC and one of the oldest members of the Ninth Masonic District at 99 years of age. He received an award for serving over 59 years.

Mr. Henry Bryant was joined in marital bliss to the late Mrs. Ella Osborne Bryant.

Mr. Bryant, a carpenter by trade, renovated several homes in the community, to include his own on Bradford Street, where he resided since 1956 and also made repairs to Mount African Methodist Episcopal Church. Being a jack of all trades, he also served as the community Barber.

Mr. Bryant’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, cooking and gardening. He consistently planted a garden yearly. He was a loving, kind and compassionate man. A strong man of character, integrity, but most of all a man of God.

Mr. Bryant leaves to cherish his precious memories: a son, Tommy (Dianne) Bryant; a daughter, Doretha Wadlington; six grandchildren, Nannette Haynesworth, Edward “Shon” Bryant, Tara Bryant, Tommy (Tiarra) Bryant, Jr., Ciara Bryant and Devon Wadlington; five great grandchildren, Myashia Haynesworth, Brandon Thomas, Bryant Harley, Brailynn Harley and Brielle Harley; fourteen great great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, extended African Methodist Episcopal Church Families and friends.

Mr. Henry Bryant’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with, as well as those he reached, but never met.

Please keep the family of Henry Bryant in your thoughts and prayers.