Eugene Harold "Harry" Bryant, 90

Eugene Harold "Harry" Bryant, 90, of Hendersonville passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at Carolina Village.

Harry was born on May 22, 1924, and raised in Stedman. He joined the US Navy during WWII serving on the USS Iowa in the Pacific and married Kathryn Stanley of Tabor City on April 10, 1944, while in the service. Upon completion of his military duty, he returned to Tabor City where he began a career with CSX Railroad (Atlantic Coastline). He and Kathryn lived in several communities in North Carolina and Dillon, S.C., retiring in 1986 after more than 40 years of service with CSX.

In his youth, Harry developed a passion for tennis and played frequently into his late 80s. He also enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening and during the summer months would share many of the vegetables he grew with friends and neighbors. Refinishing antique furniture was another of his pastimes. Harry's faith in God was lived through his service as a Deacon as well as various lay leadership positions in the Baptist church.

Upon retirement, he and Kathryn moved to Hendersonville, where Harry enjoyed regular tennis matches, church life and fellowship with friends. When Kathryn became ill, he devoted his attention to her until her death in 2006, concluding a marriage of 62 years. He volunteered with Meals On Wheels, Mainstay and Four Seasons Hospice during his retirement years.

He is survived by three sons, Dr. David Bryant and wife Pat of Charlotte, Daniel Bryant and wife Anita of Dana,  and Stephen Bryant and wife Sharon of Columbia, S.C.; four grandchildren, Jeff Bryant and wife April of Tarboro, Dr. Kristen McKnight and husband John of Kannapolis, Peyton Bryant and Paige Bryant both of Columbia, S.C.; two great grandchildren, Mallory Bryant and Austin Bryant both of Tarboro, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Bryant, a son, Patrick Bryant, his parents, William Bryant and Mary Burts Bryant and his siblings, Gordon Bryant, Russell Bryant, Dorothy Bridges and Jack Bryant.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.r 14, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, with Rev. Wally Shamburger officiating. Dr. George Jones Sunday School Class at First Baptist will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary.

The family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 312 Fifth Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC 28793.