John “Johnny” Pedigo Bryant, 82, of Fieldale, VA, passed away on January 8, 2024. He was born on May 10, 1941, in Patrick County, VA. Johnny was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle. He was known for his tough and steadfast nature, as well as his faithfulness and hard work.
Johnny began his career at the age of 17 as a sheet metal worker in 1959. In 1969, he established B&H Heating & Cooling, which his brothers James and David joined in 1972. After a successful run, Johnny ventured out on his own again and founded Fire & Ice Heating & Cooling. Being highly skilled, he trained numerous individuals in the HVAC industry with around ten of them going on to establish their own businesses.
In 1968, Johnny began a racing career that spanned 24 years. He started on the dirt tracks of Fairystone and Hillsville but soon found his niche driving an asphalt Modified. He, his crews and his family traveled the east coast from Daytona to Loudon venturing as far west as Indianapolis. His career is highlighted by a Caraway Speedway track championship in 1983 and a dominating win at North Wilkesboro Speedway in 1988 where he was the first winner to use the lift to victory lane (this race can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube). He had 22 wins at Bowman Gray Stadium, 2 of which came on the same night in a double-header. That record stood for over two decades.
He was also voted Most Popular Driver for two seasons. His most memorable win at BGS was the 1975 Winston 350 where he drove with a broken left hand and overcame a two-lap deficit to claim the victory (this was long before there was a “Lucky Dog” rule). The biggest win of his career came in 1985 at Martinsville Speedway. He led 127 of 200 laps, was awarded the Timeliest Move of the Race and is the last southern driver to win a Modified race at Martinsville.
In his free time, Johnny enjoyed playing Scrabble and solving challenging crossword puzzles. From 1992 to 1995, he coached his grandson's basketball teams at Stanleytown Elementary School. Johnny had a passion for reading and could often be found immersed in the Bible, Zane Grey westerns, and any literature that expanded his intellect. Johnny worshipped at Northside Baptist Church where he preached occasionally. He also wrote and sang some of his own songs. He found solace and strength in his faith, which was an important aspect of his life.
Johnny is survived by his daughters, Debbie Peters (Darrell) and Kayren Bryant, his son John Edward “Eddie” Bryant (Julia), his brother Donald Bryant, his brother David Bryant (Teresa), his grandson Cole Byrd (Brittany), his grandson John “Travis” Byrd (Brittany), his great-granddaughters Aubrey and Bristol Byrd, and his great-grandson John Samuel Byrd. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years Louise Rorrer Bryant, his father King Bryant, his mother Velma Washington Bryant Thornton, his brother James Bryant, and his sister Iris Bryant Murphy Garner.
Johnny will be sadly missed by many but please join in the celebration of his new life walking with the Lord. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Hwy, Bassett, VA with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm. A private family burial will follow in the Bryant Family Cemetery.
The family request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hope Center Ministries at 6871 Irisburg Road, Axton, VA 24054.
Collins Funeral Home is serving the family.
