Lawrence Bryant

Lawrence Azel Bryant, 97, of Crossville, TN, died May 16, 2009.
He was born November 6, 1911, in Rockland, Maine, the son of Ordell and Abigail Bryant. He was also preceded in death by his wife Geraldine Sylvia Bennett Bryant, to whom he was married for 73 years, his brother Earl O. Bryant, a granddaughter Ann Bryant, and grandson Dirk Burgess.
In 1942 Larry and Gerry moved from Portland, Maine, to Brevard, North Carolina, where Larry began work at the Ecusta Paper Corporation and retired from what had then become the Olin Corporation in 1975.
During his stay in Brevard, Larry was active in the Brevard Junior Chamber of
Commerce, serving as president in 1946-1948. He was instrumental in securing housing for the returning veterans of WWII and also successfully lobbied the state legislature to strengthen DUI penalties. He was also the accountant for the Transylvania Music Camp and the Brevard Music Festival during its formative years.
Surviving him are his son Richard E. Bryant and wife Noreen of Clinton, Indiana, his daughter Beverly and husband Wayne Burgess of Charlottesville, Virginia, his daughter Pat and her husband Leroy Bracken of Crossville, Tennessee, who devotedly cared for him in his last years. He is also survived by grandchildren Carlton Moody, Kim Jenkinson, Richard Bryant, Jr., Kent Bryant, Cynthia Whitaker, Gregory Burgess, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Larry was known for his patience and unflappable nature. He was supremely self- reliant. Much of what he needed, he jerry-rigged, repaired, or built. He and Gerry loved taking their RV and a slew of family to the Carolina Outer Banks for fishing, shelling, kite-flying, and crabbing. Larry, especially in his later years, expressed gratitude for the blessings of his family. Every family crisis was eased by his and Gerry's presence. With their passing they have left a wealth of happy memories.
Visitation will be at Moore Funeral Home in Brevard from 1:00 to 2:00 Tuesday, May 19, with graveside services at Pisgah Gardens at 2:30 p.m. conducted by Rev. Randolph Harry.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the organization of your choice.
To sign Mr. Bryant's guestbook online, please go to "Obituaries" at www.moore- fh.com.