Cecil Ray Bryant, 83, entered into heavens gates on January 24, 2012 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 25, 1928, to the late Creed Lafayette Bryant and Beulah Spivey Bryant. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Larry Cecil Bryant; brothers Chester Bryant, Junior Bryant and Pearlie Bryant and a sister Joan Worrell.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Faye Smythers Bryant; daughters and sons-in-law Sharon and Ron Porter , Becky Bryant all of Galax, Virginia; Kathy and Ron Rucker of Roanoke, Virginia; three grandchildren and spouse Justin and Candace Iroler of Hillsville, Virginia; Meritha Rucker and Tony Rucker of Roanoke, Virginia; two step-grandchildren and spouse Chris and Karen Porter of Hillsville, Virginia; Kerri Porter of Galax, Virginia; two great-grandchildren, Catrina and Carson Iroler of Hillsville, Virginia; three step-great-grandchildren Angelicia, Philip and Allison Porter of Hillsville, Virginia; sisters and brothers-in-law Rodessa & Edward Semones of Martinsville, Virginia; Shirley & Charles Starr of Lynchburg, Virginia; Norma Lee Gregory of Buckingham, Virginia; Lorena Llewellyn of Richmond, Virginia; brother and sister-in-law Ernest and Debbie Bryant of Stafford, Virginia; two sisters-in-law Dot Bryant and Shirley Bryant both of Richmond, Virginia; brother-in-law Elton Worrell of Austinville, Virginia ; several nieces and nephews.

Cecil graduated from Woodlawn High School and Smithdale Massey Business College of Richmond. He was a bookkeeper for Mink Motors and was Production Manager for the Galax Gazette for 37 years where he worked with his wife for 27 years of that time. He was a member of the Coulson Church of the Brethren where he was church treasurer, deacon, taught Sunday School, an applebutter maker, and was always there if the church doors were open.

Cecil loved God, loved his family, enjoyed gardening, yardwork, going to ballgames, doing word puzzles, playing with his grandkids and occasionally playing tricks.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Coulson Church of the Brethren with Pastor Russell Payne, Rev. Tommy Brightwell and Rev. Harry Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in the Coulson Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at the Coulson Church. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Coulson Church of the Brethren Building Fund.