Francis S. Bryant

Francis Shepherd Bryant of Lake View, SC, passed away November 25, 2017 at the age of 76.  He was born January 28th, 1941, the son of Odell and Ernestine Bryant.  Francis was the beloved husband of Edna Ruth Herring Bryant, and devoted father to Robert F. and Arba L. Bryant, and Page H. and Chavela D. Bryant.  Francis was also the loving grandfather of Leah Stiles (Charles), Rachel Bryant (fiancé John-Thomas Gideon), Troy Bryant, Caleb Bryant, Tristen Bryant, and Kaden Bryant. Francis was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Bryant, and siblings Suzanne B. Lewis (Jakie) and Betty B. Overturf. He is also an uncle to 15 nieces and nephews and a cousin to many.

Growing up in Lake View, SC, Francis attended Lake View High School and was a member of the Varsity Football team and the 4H Club.  He attended Clemson University to study Agricultural Education and graduated in 1963. While there, he married Edna Ruth Herring on March 11, 1961. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he taught Ag Ed at Ashe County High School in Jefferson, NC before starting a career in Finance and Sales of Ag and Construction equipment that continued into his semi-retirement.

Francis was known as “Sonny Boy” to his family, and “Tater” by his classmates. The “Tater” nickname was bestowed on him after he won a 4H sweet potato growing competition. While not known by all as “Tater,” Francis will be remembered in the hearts of family and friends as an active member of his community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and had the heart of a servant. Both he and his late wife led the Lake View Youth baseball program and served as volunteer EMTs for several years. Francis was a valued member of the churches he attended over the course of his life, worshipping most recently as a member of Olivet United Methodist Church. He was a long-standing member of the Lake View Masonic Lodge as well. Francis was an attentive husband and guiding father. When grandchildren came to visit, he was quick to help them ride the donkey or put them to work picking up pecans. He was constantly in motion, spending his free time piddling on endless projects on the family farm or fishing. His evenings were spent reading Westerns or watching Westerns unless it was a Fall Saturday evening when he would be cheering on his Clemson Tigers.

The family of Francis thanks you for joining them in celebrating his life. They are blessed by your compassion, support, and prayers.

Memorial Service will be 2pm, Sunday Dec 3, at Olivet United Methodist Church in Marietta, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Olivet United Methodist Church.