William Turner Bryant

Rev. Dr. William “Bill” T. Bryant of Nashville, TN died on October 16, 2024, from sudden heart failure at the age of 86. Dr. Bryant was raised in Aliceville, Alabama and attended college at the University of Alabama and received his Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary. He later received his Doctorate of Ministry at Columbia Theological Seminary. He served as Senior Pastor at Govans Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Columbia Presbyterian Church of Decatur, Georgia, First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, Mississippi, and First Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He also served as Executive Director of the Outreach Foundation until his recent retirement. He served on the Board of Directors at Columbia Theological Seminary, King College, Tusculum College, and Rhodes College. He had numerous honorary doctorates including one from Rhodes College. He served as Moderator at St. Andrew Presbytery of Mississippi as well as Middle Tennessee Presbytery. Upon retirement, Dr. Bryant served as Interim Senior Pastor at numerous churches across Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. Over the years in service to our Lord, Dr. Bryant touched countless lives through his dynamic preaching, inspirational Bible teaching, and his willingness and ability to pastor those in need. The number of sermons, baptisms, weddings, and funerals he performed over his 60 year career is known only to God himself. Dr. Bryant’s work through the Outreach Foundation improved the lives of people all over the world. In Africa, Dr. Bryant set up schools to train future pastors. There are child crisis centers and hospitals there that bear the names of Bill Bryant and his wife of 64 years, Bette.

Dr. Bryant is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Bette” Speed; a son, Billy (Debbie) Bryant of Greenwood, MS., a son, Steve (Betsy) Bryant of Canton, MS.; a daughter Lissa (Steve) Shearer of Nashville, TN.; 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Dr. Bryant was thankful that he lived long enough to see the threads God wove in his life to use him for service. The world is a better place because Bill Bryant was here. The family will have a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Outreach Foundation.