SMITHFIELD—William “Billy” R. Bryant Sr., 63, a resident of Burwells Bay Road, died Aug. 1 at his home.

Born in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Marshall Lee Bryant Sr. and Frances Gay Bryant Atkins.

Mr. Bryant was a retired welder who was devoted to his trade, an avid gardener; and a devoted family man who will never be forgotten.

Survivors include his wife, Sandra Gainey Bryant; his children, William R. Bryant Jr. and wife Sheila, and Sheila Bryant Epperley and husband, David; four grandchildren, Jeremy Epperley, Lauren Epperley, Ellis Bryant, Emmie Bryant; brothers, Sammy Bryant, Marshall L. Bryant and wife, Shirley, Jimmy Bryant and wife, Connie, and Dickie Bryant; sister-in-law, Linda Gainey; mother-in-law, Lillian Gainey; and a host of nieces, nephews; very devoted friends; and family dog, “Smokey.”

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Rosa Jean Bryant, and a brother, Robert Lee Bryant Sr.

Funeral services will be held today

at 11 a.m. at Mill Swamp Baptist Church, Ivor, with the Rev. Jim Jones officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the residence.

Memorial donations may be made to the Mill Swamp Baptist Church Building Fund,

c/o Becky Munford, 8100 Mill Swamp Road, Ivor, VA

23866.

Director Brian Carroll, Purviance Funeral Home, Wakefield, assisted the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be posted at www.jtmorriss.com.