James David Bryant

Mr. James David Bryant, 95, died peacefully at his home in Sledge, MS, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. The funeral will be Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Bro. Roy Hartzell officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow the service in Philadelphia Cemetery in Etta, MS.

Mr. Bryant was born on November 10, 1928, in the Poolville community of Union County, MS, to the late Velma Renfrow and Bonner Franklin Bryant. He attended Macedonia High School in Union County, MS, before bravely serving his country in the United States Navy from 1946 until 1948. He was honorably discharged as Aviation Machinist’s Mate, 3rd Class. Upon returning home, Mr. Bryant began working as an automobile mechanic at Delta Buick in Clarksdale, MS. In 1951, he married his high school sweetheart, Christine Lee, beginning what would become 73 years of marriage, bringing him the greatest happiness in the world. After 17 years as a mechanic, Mr. Bryant decided to move his family to Tunica County in 1965 to begin farming. His passion for the farming industry was immediate, and while the work was hard, he did it all with integrity and without complaint. He now owns land in both Tunica County and Lafayette County, and after a long and successful career as a farmer, retired in 2015.

Finding himself newly retired but still with plenty of energy, he focused on his love of antique car projects, especially his 1949 Ford F100. While that could occupy much of his time, Mr. Bryant’s favorite thing to do was check in on his kids, grandkids, or anyone else who crossed his mind. His calls and visits to check-in were his special way of showing how much he cared for you. He and Christine found much fulfillment as members of Hollywood Baptist Church in Sledge, MS and had a special love for the church that they were married in, Philadelphia Baptist Church in Etta, MS. As a father, he prided himself on setting an example of faith for his children, always regularly attending services and doing what he could to help both within the church and beyond its doors. He shared his knowledge of farming and land with his sons, and modeled for them what it is to be a loving, patient, and supportive husband and father. Mr. Bryant was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jim Black and his daughter-in-law, Kim Bryant.

Mr. Bryant is survived by his loving wife, Clara Christine Lee Bryant of Sledge, MS; sons, James David Bryant, Jr. and his wife, Loni, and Donald Eugene Bryant, both of Sledge, MS; sisters, Twanda Black of Myrtle, MS and Bonnie Klaerner (Curtis) of Keller, TX; brother, Franklin Bryant (Donna) of Fredericksburg, TX; five grandchildren, Neeley Baker (Chip) of Southaven, MS, Andrew Bryant of Chicago, IL, Jordan Bryant (Holly) of Sledge, MS, Carter Bryant (Brooke) of Sledge, MS, and Baily Bryant (Lynlie) of Sledge, MS; and three great-grandchildren, Ansley Baker, Lacey Bryant, and Addie Mack Bryant.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mr. Bryant’s memory may be made to Hollywood Baptist Church, 2020 Wadlington Road, Sledge, MS 38670, or to Philadelphia Baptist Church, 456 County Road 255, Etta, MS 38627.