Thomas “Tom” Bryant, 82, of Orange, passed away on January 22, 2021, at his home in Orange.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on February 1, 1938, he was the son of Haskel Bryant and Anna Marie Jenkins. Tom was raised in Detroit Michigan and moved to Texas in the 60’s falling in love with this beautiful state. Tom was USMC Reconnaissance in the Vietnam War where he served three tours and received The Silver Star Medal of Honor bravely fighting for his country. He was very intelligent and went on to be an Entrepreneur and a successful man in life. Tom was the best kind of man with a great sense of humor, humble and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a very neighborly man, enjoying the simple things in life. Two of his childhood friends, whom he lost contact with, later served as brothers in arms in Vietnam. Forty plus years passed and by the grace of God he was reunited with his brothers, Gene Schrank and his wife Carolyn, and John Murray and his wife Sandy. Tom was overjoyed at this reunion and loved getting to catch up with them after so many years. He was a wonderful man, loving husband, great father and grandfather. He will truly be missed by all those who came to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Grady Jenkins; his brothers, Bill Bryant, George Bryant; and his sisters, Bonnie Semblante, and Glenda Muncy.

He is survived by his wife, Lillie Goodman; his children, Jo-Ann Metz and husband Randy, Thomas Bryant and wife Maribel, Melissa “Lisa” Key and husband Vaughn, William Bryant and wife Joy, Susan Tucker and husband Steve, George Bryant and wife Pam, Laura McIntyre; stepchildren, Terrance Kennon, and Mallory Cummings and husband Billy; 17 grandchildren with one on the way; 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way; brother, James “Jimmy” Jenkins; along with several nieces and nephews.

Cremation will be under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home.