Lester Irvin Bryant

Lester Irvin Bryant, 87, of Terrell County, Georgia, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at Mathews Funeral Home. Rev. Jamie Baggett will officiate. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Bryant was born in Edison, Georgia, on November 14, 1938, to the late Irvin and Lourie Bryant. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Terrell County, where he grew up on the family farm. That farm remained his home for the next seventy-eight years, a place he cherished deeply and where he spent the remainder of his life.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Mr. Bryant began his career with Stevens Industries before working for Firestone Tire and Rubber Company for eighteen years until the plant closed. He later continued his career with the Terrell County Correctional Institute, where he faithfully served until his retirement. He was known for his strong work ethic, quiet devotion to his family, and his lifelong love of the land he called home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Tabitha McElhattan, a grandson, Zachary Bryant and five siblings, Marvin Bryant, Jack Bryant, Billy Bryant, Betty Harrison, and Carolyn Brannen.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 66 years, Carolyn Nichols Bryant of Terrell County, Georgia; three children, Kenny (Mary) Bryant of Lee County, Georgia, Lamar (Jennifer) Bryant of Terrell County, Georgia, and Patricia Bryant (Warren Taylor) of Terrell County, Georgia; two sisters, Jane Cloud of Bronwood, Georgia, and Evelyn Williams of Bowling Green, Kentucky; grandchildren, William (Mearia) Bryant of Augusta, Georgia, Charles ( Reysa) Reynolds of Savannah, Georgia, and Brandi Bryant of Jacksonville, Florida; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday.