William Thomas "Buddy" Bryant

William Thomas “Buddy” Bryant – Norfolk – Buddy Bryant, 73, quietly passed away at his home on Monday, July 25, 2011 after a long battle with emphysema. Buddy was born October 8, 1937 to the late Robert Lester Bryant, Jr. and Alma Hobbs Bryant of Norfolk, VA. He is also predeceased by his brother Robert L. Bryant, III. Buddy served in the United States Army Reserves from 1956 to 1961. He retired in November, 2009 from Hampton Rubber Company. As a 1957 graduate of Norview High School, Buddy was very active in sports and was a member of the 1956 State Football Championship team. Buddy was a Past President and lifetime member of the Chesapeake Athletic Club (CAC) where he played men’s softball for over 15 years. His championship CAC team from 1974 was inducted into the Tidewater Virginia Softball Hall of Fame in 1992. Buddy’s love for sports lead him to a longtime calling as a basketball coach. From St. Pius X Catholic School, to J.J. Brewbaker Academy and then on to Ryan Academy, Buddy coached boys and girls basketball from 1976 to 1991. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lelia Hodges Bryant, two daughters and their husbands, Sheryl Layne Bryant Miller and John Ramsey Miller of Dunkirk, Maryland and Paulette Rae Bryant Skapars and James Anthony Skapars of Chesterfield, Virginia. He also leaves behind five grandchildren; Jacob Ramsey Miller, Andrew Charles Skapars, Cory Bryant Miller, Caitlin Rae Skapars and Dylan John Miller, and many other loving family members. A visitation will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home at 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A private interment will be held the following day. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be sent to the American Lung Association or a charity of your choice.