HAMLET — Retired Senior Master Sgt. Charles (Charlie) Bryant Jr., 75, died peacefully at Hospice Haven in Rockingham, on May 28, 2021.
He was born on June 29, 1945, in Gaston County, a son of the late Charles Bryant Sr. and Lucille McCullough Bryant. After graduating from high school and attending college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 23, 1964.
After a distinguished military career of 21 1/2 years in the United States Air Force, he retired to Hamlet. His military awards and decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with four devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with device, National Defense Service Medal, AF Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon, Service Non-Commissioned Office Academy, SAC NCO Academy, Command NCO Academy, AF Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters, AF Outstanding Unit Award and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device. He was stationed in France, Germany, Turkey, Okinawa and Vietnam along with seven U.S. States. He engaged in a second career with the N.C. Department of Corrections as programs director, from which he retired. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Frances Helton and Betty Thurston.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Claudia F. Bryant; two sons, Robbie Bryant and his wife Danielle, and Jonathan Bryant and his wife Gina; three grandchildren, Laura, Andrew and Edie Rae; and one great-grandchild, Gwendolyn; two sisters, Margaret Helton and her husband Clyde, and Helene Burnham and her husband Kelly; and a brother-in-law, Don Helton.
Visitation will be held at Nebo Wesleyan Church, 1812 Airport Road in Hamlet, on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 from 1-2 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary, officiated by Pastor Jeff Collins.
Burial will follow at Spring Hill Wesleyan Church Cemetery, 289 Springhill Church Road, Hamlet.
Memorials may be to: Richmond County Hospice, 1119 U.S. 1 N., Rockingham, NC 28379.
Everyone in attendance is asked to wear a mask and to continue to practice social distancing.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Bryant family.
