Joe Bryant, 89
August 4, 1935 – March 30, 2025
Joe O. Bryant, 89, met his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at his home. He was born August 4, 1935, to Charles Kermit and Audrey Hamilton Bryant. Country to the core, he grew up in the Center Community honing his lifelong skills of hunting and fishing. After graduating from Center School, he attended Mississippi State University until a friend convinced him that they should join the Army. From basic training at Fort Benning, GA, he was stationed on the Sea of Japan as a morse code specialist and radio operator. He often entertained with his morse code skills. When his tour ended, Joe hitchhiked home and entered the car business with his father, later owning Bryant Motor Company.
He ran for Sheriff of Union County in 1971, and in 1972 began his first term, serving as the youngest Sheriff in Mississippi at that time at the age 36. He later ran and won a second term in 1983, then won a third term in 1995. He had a reputation as a tough, but fair lawman. In between terms, he worked for the New Albany Police Department, the Public Service Commission, and as a dispatcher for New Albany Light, Gas, and Water and for 911. After retirement, Joe worked part time at United Funeral Service, Inc. for nearly 20 years. His calm, rock-solid demeaner was a source of comfort and strength to many families.
Joe married Martha Grace Perry in 1958, and they had one daughter, Denise. They loved to travel and logged thousands of miles seeing the country. They would pack a bag and jump in the car with no set destination and no interstate, just looking for back roads. Joe’s life revolved around Martha, and he was her devoted caretaker until her death in 2022.
As a Korean War veteran, he was a member of the American Legion and also a Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of Center Baptist Church, where he faithfully held down the back pew. He was looking forward to stepping into Heaven.
Joe was a loving father and grandfather, but he especially relished his role as Papaw to his three great-grandchildren. He was quick to tell you how handsome, beautiful, and intelligent they were. He loved to entertain them, and anyone else, with stories of his childhood and time in the Army and law enforcement. He will be sorely missed.
Joe is survived by his daughter, Denise Allen (Skipper), his granddaughter, Ashley Henderson (Timbo), and three great-grandchildren, Jack, Lake, and Evie.
He is predeceased in death by his parents, his wife, Martha, and his brother Charles.
Visitation will be at United Funeral Service on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 3:30 p.m. Bro. Mike Brazeal and Bro. Jared Busby will officiate. The American Legion Post 72 will conduct military honors. Honorary pallbearers will be William Paul Haynie, David Haynie, Chad Glasson, Chris Glasson, Jimmy Edwards, Richard Carr, Joe Thompson, and any current or former law enforcement officers.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Parks Baptist Church Youth Fund, P.O. Box 641, New Albany, MS 38652; or to Center Baptist Church Youth Fund, 1701 CR 121 Blue Springs, MS 38828; or to the American Legion Post 72, 113 Fairground Circle, New Albany, MS 38652.
United will fly the U.S. Army flag during his visitation and funeral service. United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
