Thomas Edward Bryant

Mr. Bryant passed away Friday morning at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.

A native of Lake County, TN, he was the son of the late Julius Edward Bryant and Mary Frances Bain Bryant Walker. He had lived most of his life in the Ripley, TN area and also in Brownsville.

In 1987, Mr. Bryant received a new heart and was the country's second longest-living heart transplant survivor. To learn more about his journey, please click this link: https://www.localmemphis.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/thomas-bryant-longest-living-heart-transplant-recipient-beats-covid19/522-ce0c10ef-8f1f-4ce8-9306-cdf132100b46 He had worked in construction for most of his life and, in his leisure time, enjoyed coon hunting, fishing, cooking from "scratch", horseshoes, singing and playing the guitar.

He leaves his daughter, Charlotte Bryant of Ripley, TN; two sons, Eddie Bryant (Linda) of Ripley and Jacob Bryant of Parsons; two sisters, Joy Ferguson (Eric) of Moscow, TN and Phyllis Page (Raymond) of Big Sandy, TN; a brother, Charles R. Bryant (Linda) of Ripley; ten grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David Cox; a sister, Darlene Shields; and a brother, Ray Bryant.

While visiting or attending services for Mr. Bryant, please consider the following guidelines:

* Maintain 6 feet between yourself and the next closest person;
* Refrain from hugs and handshakes;
* When you sneeze or cough, use your elbow to cover your nose and mouth;
* Wash your hands often;
* Avoid touching your face; and
* Minimize time spent in places where people gather.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration.