Mack Bryant

View Video Tribute Larence Mack Bryant, 84, long-time Columbia businessman, passed away Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at his residence on the Williamsport Pike with his family by his side. Graveside services will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Polk Memorial Gardens with Pastor Daryl Martin, Wesley Mack Bryant, and Tommy Hight, Jr. officiating. Military Honors at graveside will be provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post #19. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Oakes & Nichols. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. Notes of sympathy may be sent to www.oakesandnichols.com. Born in the Whiteville Community in Hardeman County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late A. L. Bryant and Margaret McCollom Bryant. He was a 1946 graduate of Columbia Central High School where he excelled in athletics. He was the recipient of the Oakes Trophy in recognition of his outstanding abilities in football and basketball and also earned the CHS Outstanding Athlete Award. Following graduation, he entered the U. S. Army and served during the Occupation of Japan during World War II from 1946-1947. On November 12, 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Martha Napier. For a number of years, Mr. Bryant owned and operated Oak Park Swimming Pool and later established, owned, and operated Maury Package Store. He was a former member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce ("Columbia Jaycees") and was a life-time member of Columbia Elks Lodge #686. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Martha Napier Bryant of Columbia; children, Harry Mack Bryant, Delanie Bryant Thurman of Columbia, Rebecca Bryant (Chuck) Lannom of Mt. Juliet, Bridget Ann Bryant of Memphis, Scott Howard (Kim) Bryant of Columbia, John Marshall (Pam) Bryant of Columbia; Joan Bryant (Robin) Starr of Hartselle, Alabama, and Suzette Bryant Shackelford of Columbia; grandchildren, Eric McCollom Thurman, Wesley Mack (Shauna) Bryant, Natalie Napier Bryant, Kelsey Maclyn Starr, John Austin Bryant, Alexander Preston Bryant, Hannah Alyssa Bryant, Jessica Ann Shackelford, Lon Turner Starr, Jenny Evelyn Shackelford, Noah Scott Bryant, and Shelby Lynleigh Bryant; great-grandchildren, Avery Jo Bryant, Nora Macklyn Bryant, and Turner Mack Lott; nieces, Dr. Kitty Myatt and Susanne Loux. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Bryant Myatt. Active pallbearers are Eric Thurman, Wesley Bryant, Austin Bryant, Alex Bryant, Lon Starr, Noah Bryant, Robin Starr, Chuck Lannom, Ricky "Worm" Luna, and Randy Speed. Honorary pallbearers include J. B. Napier, William Napier, William "Hop" Dorris, Johnny Bryant, and Tommy Hight, Sr. The Bryant family expresses appreciation to Dr. James M. Fitts and staff, Hospice Compassus staff, Susan and Dan Garman, Jeanna Brooks; and special thanks to Stacey Mashburn and Lisa Howell for their care and attention during his illness.