Bryant Terry Lovin Sr., of Hamlet, North Carolina, passed away in his home surrounded by the love of his family on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, on May 20, 1951, he was the son of the late Thomas Pate Lovin and Mary Helen (Norton) Lovin.
Bryant was a 1969 graduate of Hamlet High School and, in his youth, was an avid athlete and coach. Through the mid-'70s and into the '80s, Bryant was a formidable baseball coach for the Hamlet Bronco League “Senators,” winning numerous local and regional tournaments with his under-12 youth teams, even taking them to statewide tournaments in Charlotte. He eventually became the league commissioner in the late '80s. In addition to coaching youth baseball, Bryant loved hunting and fishing and spending time with his friends and family.
Towards the end of his nearly 30-year career with CSX, Bryant took up golf and fell in love with NASCAR; furthermore, he loved his new role as “Papa” for his five grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dexter Lovin and Donald “Duck” Lovin.
Bryant is survived by his son, Terry Lovin (Becky) of Camden, Delaware; daughter, Christy Mabe (Jason) of Ellerbe; and stepchildren, John Bullard, Katrina Bullard Locklear and Lisa Harmon; also his grandchildren, Edwin “ET,” Mack “Pate,” Ryley, Dexter and Garret. He is also survived by his sister, Rita Hall (Charles) of Rockingham, and Glenn Lovin (Lisa) of Hamlet.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Harrington Funeral Home, 214 McDonald Ave., Hamlet, on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m.-noon with a Celebration of Life following immediately afterwards at noon. A private interment will be held in the Smith Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Richmond County Hospice Inc., 1119 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379 or https://www.richmondcountyhospice.com/donate.
Harrington Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
