Milton Arnold Bryant

His daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bryant Huggins Strange, his wife, Sylvia Sue Camp Bryant, as well as all of his siblings and their spouses except for one sister-in-law, Marie Bryant. Those siblings are: Leonard ( 1-Geneva, 2- Linnie), Myrtle (Fred) Russo, Macie (1-Fred Gibson, 2-Willard Hayes) Hayes, Lola Mae (Charles) Rogers, Reidus (Marie- still living), Jimmy (Connie) Bryant.

In addition to his one sister-in-law, Marie Bryant, Milton is survived by his eldest daughter Shirley Bryant Stokes (Dwayne), son William Arnold Bryant, stepchildren: Susan Baggett Ellis, Jonathan Allan Baggett (Susan), Denise AKA DeDe Sandlin (Greg). A total of 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews remain. I would be remiss if I failed to mention his very beloved, “adopted” children, Diane and Tom O’Dell.

How does one define “the dash”- the short line between birth and death?

Perhaps a prediction of a hard life to follow, Milton was delivered by his mother at home, completely unaided by anyone. Also, during the lean, difficult years of the great Depression.

Milton worked early on as part of a share-cropping family. His first paying jobs were delivery boy for a pharmacy and newspapers, both astride a horse. On occasion, he would share a luxury of a Coke with his horse!

At age 19, Milton was hired by Delta Airlines in Birmingham, AL. Milton was a faithful employee for many years, retiring at age 52. He saw many changes in the airline industry in that time. Milton also told many stories of those years. He would recall with a very heavy heart, unloading the flag-draped coffins of soldiers who were killed in Vietnam.

After retirement, Milton was freer to pursue his passions of farming, cattle raising, and fishing. He was so proud of two main accomplishments: producing a large herd of registered Beef Master cattle, and becoming a member of the Cattlemen’s Association. Milton loved his home in Clay, AL. He and his dad cleared forest to make pastures with a crosscut saw.

More than his pride over these accomplishments was his love for his GOD, his family, and his friends. Milton not only loved and provided for his family, but anyone he met with a need he would try to help. Even if it meant going without himself.

Milton was “old school”; strong, determined, a relentless hard worker. His word was a legal contract. He voiced his opinions and stood by his convictions. Despite this, he was a very gentle, kind hearted man.

Milton’s journey on earth is complete. He has left us to enter GLORY to be forever with his SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST.

Milton, my daddy, asked me to relay: to please forgive his faults and remember the good times and laughter you shared. Do not be heavy hearted, but rejoice as he has gone HOME. He had two major regrets- that he did not get to share more time with his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, and to fish again with his dear friend, Jack Johnson.