He was born Feb. 2, 1926, in Marian, S.C., the son of Jesse J. and Virginia (Sarvis) Bryant. He moved with his family to Lakeland, Fla., where he grew up and graduated from Lakeland High School in 1944. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1950 from Florida Southern College, a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University and a master’s of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The Rev. Bryant was associate pastor emeritus and member of St. John United Church of Christ in Louisville. He also taught biology and chemistry for several years at Butler High School before he retired in 1988.

He married Nancy Gaiser in 1956. She died in 1990.

Survivors include a sister, J. Nancy Bryant Davis, Lawrence, Kan.; a great-niece, Katie Davison, Lawrence; three nephews and two nieces.

A daughter, Deborah L. Bryant, died in 1996.

Highlands Funeral Home in Louisville was in charge of arrangements.