John Bryant

John William Bryant, 71, beloved husband, father, and grandfather of Abilene, Texas went home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. The gathering with John's family will be from 6:00-8:00PM on Thursday, December 13 hosted at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home located at 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will also be held at Elliott-Hamil on Friday, December 14 at 11:00AM.

John was born in Abilene, Texas on January 18, 1947. He was the older son of Byron Jaye Bryant and Maureen Moore and brother to Ronny Jaye Bryant.

John graduated from Cooper High School in 1965 where he made lifelong friends. He attended Texas Tech University and then graduated with a business degree from McMurry University. John enjoyed multiple careers focused on construction and accounting. He also owned successful small businesses in the Abilene area.

John was married for forty-nine years to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Betsy Henderson also of Abilene. They had three children, John William II, Emily Crockett, and Dawson Byron. The joy of his life were his children and grandchildren.

John adored rock and roll music and playing the guitar. He was a master poker player and he could fix anything. JB’s ability to find humor in any situation was a gift to everyone blessed to know him. Big John never met a stranger and his friends were his greatest treasures. People of all ages were attracted to his personality and his impact on them was long lasting.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his youngest son, Dawson. He is survived by his wife, Betsy, his brother, Ronny, and two children. His older son John William II, wife Tina, and their two sons, Reese and Kellon live in Tuscola, Texas. Emily and Kevin Reichert reside in Georgetown, Texas with their two daughters, Grace and Hannah. Dawson’s wife, Courtney Bryant and their two children, Gage and Katherine also live in Abilene, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Food Bank of West Central Texas at 5505 North 1st Street, Abilene, Texas 79603 (https://www.fbwct.org/) or to the Meals on Wheels Program at 717 North 10th Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 (https://www.mealsonwheelsplus.com/).