Reverend Richard Bryant was born on December 7, 1944, to the late Reverend Jimmie and Willie Mae Bryant. He received his early education at Lincoln Normal School of Marion, Alabama, where he graduated with the Class of 1963. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Army in 1963 and served his country honorably.

On November 24, 1965, he married the love of his life, Roberta Childs, and together they raised five children. Following his military service, Reverend Bryant became an entrepreneur, owning several businesses, including Richard's Bicycle Shop in Selma, Alabama, and R. Bryant Construction Company in Marion, Alabama. However, his most important and fulfilling role was his divine calling to preach and teach God’s Word, a duty he cherished deeply. Reverend Bryant served as the pastor of Springhill Baptist Church, Union Baptist Church, and Mount Ararat Baptist Church, all of Marion, Alabama. His spiritual wisdom and guidance touched many lives.

He was an esteemed leader in the faith community, serving as the Moderator of the Hopewell Missionary Baptist District Convention, President of the Lincolnite Club, Inc., President of Grand Union, and a member of several other societies. Additionally, he was an active member of the Perry County Civic League and served faithfully in all his roles until his health declined.

Beyond his pastoral duties, he was a committed civil rights activist and was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal in Washington, D.C., in recognition of his contributions to the movement. He remained dedicated to the fight for justice and equality throughout his life. Reverend Bryant was an avid hunter, a sports enthusiast, and a follower of current events, often watching CNN and 60 Minutes. He loved planting and growing, and one of his latest contributions was serving as a contributing author to the book, Do What the Spirit Say Do.

He leaves to cherish his memories: His children: Jacqueline Seay (Derrick) of Nashville, TN Richard Bryant Jr. of Marion, AL Ronald Bryant of Marion, AL Robert Bryant (Monica) of Marion, AL

Reginald Bryant (Jeanne) of Irondale, AL. Grandchildren: Larissa Bryant; Angel Abdullah (Imraan); Tiara Aguilar (Ricardo); Derrick Lamont Seay; Naomi, Kayla, Elisea, Reginald Jr., and Jeremiah Bryant; Faith and Rock Bryant. Great-grandchildren: Amani and Aaqil Abdullah and Lilah Bryant.

His siblings: Bryant Jones, Tommie Lee Bryant (Linda), Joseph Bryant, Elbert Bryant, Alex Bryant, Henry Bryant, and Corrine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Willie Mae Bryant; his beloved wife, Roberta C. Bryant; and siblings, Jacob Bryant, Jimmie Bryant, Willie Mae Edwards, Inez Edwards, and Lucy Edwards.

"God saw you getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around you, And whispered, ‘Come with Me.’ With tearful eyes, we watched you, And saw you pass away, Although we loved you dearly, We could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hardworking hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Rev. Richard Bryant's homegoing celebration will take place Monday, March 24, 2025 12 Noon at Marion Baptist Academy. Interment will immediately follow in Mt. Ararat Baptist Church Cemetery. The compassionate staff and management at Ashley's Lee & Rollins extend our heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to the entire Bryant family.