Samuel E. Bryant

Samuel E. Bryant age, 66 born July 4th, 1953. He peacefully departed this side of Heaven on May 5th, 2020. Sam’s last moments in life were filled with love, laughter, music, friends, and family. Sam unapologetically lived life by his own terms. And just like Frank Sinatra, he did it his way.

Sam was born to James and Sallie Bryant (biological mother) of Dayton, Ohio and lovingly raised by his other devoted mother, Elnora Bryant. Sam graduated from Meadowdale High School in Dayton, Ohio in 1971. From there, the real adventure began. Sam went on to join the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1974.

From there, he resided in Detroit, Michigan for a short time and a few good times before relocating to Columbus, Ohio in 1974. Samuel worked for The Ohio State University and Goodwill Industries.

Sam was a serious sports fanatic. He loved all sports. No matter the game. But his first and greatest love was for The Dallas Cowboys. He played no games about his passion for the team. And should anyone dare to challenge him about them, let’s just say, that was something that those who knew him just wouldn’t do. Sam loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds like no other.

Sam was a faithful member of Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church where he not only enjoyed hearing the word of God, but he was also a member of all 3 choirs. He loved the spotlight and enjoyed sharing his gift of singing praises to God. Being a part of the male chorus was one of his greatest passions.

Sam was a dapper and smoothly dressed man who took pride in being the cleanest man in the room.

Sam was also one who never once shied away from a camera. He was always camera ready. His smile was one of his greatest assets. Sam was a true renaissance man with a whole lot of swag.

Believe it or not, he often made claims that he wasn’t exactly a “people person”. That said, in true Samuel fashion, he somehow still managed to have an abundance of people who loved and adored him.
Sam was preceded in death by parents, Sallie A. Bryant, James T. Bryant and Elnora Bryant, and son Michael Johnson.

Sam is survived by, his loving and devoted wife, Carol D. Bryant. Together they had a love that most can only dream about. They were truly best friends who not only loved one another but they remained in love with one another. They were each other’s light. Carol will forever carry him in her heart. And as their favorite song says she will always think of him “On Two Occasions…that’s day and night.”

Sam is also survived by his children, Annie Johnson, Johnny Johnson, Michele Freeman, Robert (Julia) Johnson, Charles Thomas, William “Rocky” (Angela) Fuller, Carlos Thomas, Ronald (Keisha) Tyler, James Tyler, Steven Bryant, Nikki Johnson-Huston, Kenyatte Fuller, LeVar Thompson, RaShaunda Fuller, Shemica (Jeff) Floyd, Angela Bryant and a nephew/son, Lee (Tameka) Burge; siblings, Sarah (Marvin) Burge, Marlene Stroud, James (Deb) Bryant and Loretta Bryant; special cousins (they know who they are); a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and best friend in the world, Jerry Commins.

For everyone who is mourning our loss. Try not to be saddened by the way that he passed away. Instead, celebrate the way that he lived. Sam was a fighter. The fighter in him will forever be a great example of human will, strength, determination, and faith. The stuff that legends are made of.

Now he gets to rest. Well done, Sam. Well done.

Public Visitation 11:00am and Private Funeral 12:00pm Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, 2283 Sunbury Road.

Interment at Woodside Cemetery Middletown, OH.

Please wear a mask and gloves.