Bryant Richard Houchins

Bryant Richard Houchins, 39, of Gardendale, Alabama, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, March 27, 2026. A man of profound faith, Bryant lived with the steadfast assurance that Christ is the one and only Son of God; his family takes great comfort in knowing he is now praising in Heaven and that they will one day be reunited with him.

Bryant is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John Kirk Heilman and Murlene McGuire Heilman, and his paternal grandparents, James Robert (Bob) Houchins and Alice McIntyre Houchins Beasley and her husband Charles Beasley. He is survived by his parents Richard (Rick) Houchins and Jane Heilman Houchins, his brothers Taylor (Ashley) and John Mark Houchins, his precious children Braxton Rotenberry-Houchins, Emmalyn Rotenberry-Houchins, and Braley Houchins, his niece Anna Kate Houchins, his closest confidant Amber Rotenberry, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bryant was dedicated and baptized at Gardendale First Baptist Church, where he later shared his heart for worship as a member of the Praise Team. He graduated from Gardendale High School in 2005 and was a vibrant part of the school community, playing both football and soccer. His leadership was evident early on as a class officer for several years and as President of HOSA during his senior year. After high school, he attended Samford University to study biology, though his natural curiosity led him to explore a few different paths during his time there. Bryant was a proud supporter of the Gardendale Rockets and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

His professional life was a blend of his diverse talents. Bryant spent his early career in various restaurants, spent a short time working in cardiovascular surgery at UAB, and eventually returned to his lifelong love of food. He spent fifteen years working with his family’s catering business and helped manage and open several restaurants, where his expertise was highly valued. He was a kitchen supervisor at Cracker Barrel at the time of his passing, a job he truly enjoyed. Bryant’s ultimate dream was to finish his degree in Nutrition and work for the local school system, as he felt strongly that students deserved meals that were both flavorful and healthy.

Bryant was a true lover of information and spent much of his time exploring science, sports, aviation, space, archaeology, and history. He was always thrilled when research affirmed the writings of the Bible, and he loved sharing what he learned from his favorite podcasts with anyone who would listen.

Bryant had an intense love for his family. He loved coaching his son, Braxton, from the stands and encouraging him in all his endeavors. His daughters, Emmalyn and Braley, as well as his niece, Anna Kate, were the joy of his life. He wanted nothing more than to teach them to do all things well, to love the Lord, and to respect themselves. He was also extremely supportive of his brothers and was always keeping up with their endeavors with great interest.

Bryant also had a special heart for senior adults and found great fulfillment in serving them. Everyone he met could count on a warm smile and a hug, and those moments will be deeply missed by so many.

The family will receive guests on Thursday, April 2, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gardendale First Baptist Church, 316 Mountain Crest Parkway, with a Celebration of Life beginning at 6:00 PM. Burial will be Friday, April 3, at Moncrief Cemetery in Gardendale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to his children’s scholarship fund. Contributions can be made at any branch of Avadian Credit Union under the name of Braxton Rotenberry-Houchins.