FRANKLIN — John Woodard Bryant Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2015, in Richmond, Virginia, at the home of his daughter, Camilla Bryant Phelps.

He was born on Feb. 24, 1921, to John Woodard and Eva Foushee Bryant in the family home in Sunbeam, Virginia. His wife, Katherine Tharrington Bryant; two sisters, Jean Bryant Prince and Bernice Bryant Crockett; and his brother, Benjamin James Bryant, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Joyner Bryant. His daughter, Camilla Bryant Phelps, and son-in-law Thomas O. Phelps, of Richmond, Virginia, and son, Thomas O. Bryant and Ulysses Jimenez of Atlanta, Georgia, also survive him. He is survived by his grandchildren, Christopher Shannon Phelps and wife, Linda; Travis Clayton Phelps and wife, Kelli; Tammy Kathleen Moss and husband, Darrell; and his great-grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Christopher Austin Phelps, Preston Tanner Phelps, Lindsay Katherine and Lillian Page Moss, all of Richmond. Many nieces, nephews and loved ones in the continental United States, Hawaii, Suffolk, England, and Cuba also survive him.

Mr. Bryant was a World War II veteran serving with 346th Ordnance Depot Company in the European Theater of Operations. He bravely served his country in battles and campaigns in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He also witnessed the aftermath of the pain and suffering of the victims of the infamous death marches. For his service, he received several honors including a Good Conduct Medal, a European African Middle Eastern Service Ribbon and a World War II Victory Ribbon.

Mr. Bryant’s unassuming manner earned him the love and respect of his many friends and colleagues. He had a lifelong love for the small community of Sunbeam. The small community was his birthplace and where he would eventually raise his family. Mr. Bryant followed in the family tradition of farming, but later had a successful career as a contractor. A consummate gardener, his family will always remember the pride he took when preparing his sweet and tasty peach preserves.

Mr. Bryant’s passing is particularly sad for Sunbeam as he is the last of his generation, but he passed away knowing that his family and its current residents still share the strong values and traditions from the past.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his doctors, Dr. William Jackson and Dr. Jacqueline Stewart, Bon Secours Home Care, Henrico County Volunteer EMT and Rescue and Henrico Doctor’s Emergency Room Staff for their guidance, kindness, and professionalism. The doctors and associates at all of these facilities represent the very best in the medical profession.

The family of Mr. Bryant invites all of his family and friends to a visitation at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, July 17, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with the Rev. Rita Kanten officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Southampton Memorial Park.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.