C. Ray Bryant, Jr.

C. Ray Bryant, Jr., 78, of Valdosta, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2014 after a prolonged bout of declining health. Born in Atlanta, GA on July 7, 1935 to Claude Ray and James Meredith Bryant he grew up in Tampa, FL. They moved back to Atlanta in 1951 where he finished high school and went on to study mathematics at Georgia Tech and finished at Georgia State with a Bachelor of Science and Master's degree. He taught at Southwest High School and while there met his wife Patricia Hornesby whom he married in 1964. They moved to Valdosta in 1967 where he began teaching in the math department at Valdosta State College and later moved to the Special Studies department, a program that was near and dear to his heart. Mr. Bryant retired from Valdosta State University in 1998. He was also a long time member of Messiah Lutheran Church.

Mr. Bryant is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia of 49 years, a daughter and son in law, Lisa and Lt Col Rayford J. McDowell of Columbia, SC, a son and daughter in law, CWO4 Ray F. and Camille Bryant of Charleston, SC, five grandchildren, R. J. McDowell, Matthew Bryant, Meredith McDowell, Lauren McDowell and Megan Bryant, various cousins and cousin and best friend, Joyce Byrd of Knoxville, TN.

The family would like to thank South Georgia Medical Center, Holly Hill Nursing Home and Cura Care for their outstanding care of Mr. Bryant. The family will accept flowers or memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church building fund, 500 Baytree Road, Valdosta, GA 31602.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 8, 2014 at eleven a. m. at Messiah Lutheran Church with Reverend Josh Brown officiating. He will be placed in the church at ten a. m. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday from five until seven p. m at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.mclanecares.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602