GREENVILLE, KY., Ralph Edward “POP” Bryant, 101 of Greenville passed away peacefully at home on January, 6, 2024 just 20 days shy of his 102nd birthday. From Turtletown, Tennessee to Greenville with many stops along the way, Ralph Bryant marveled at the life he had lived. A husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and most recently great-great grandfather, Pop was cherished by his family. He was a friend to all who knew him, a deacon in his church, and an example of the American spirit to his community. Ralph was born January 26, 1922, the first-born of Fred and Flossie Bryant. He was followed by his brother Clay and sister Ruth. He married Mary Jane Bigham on June 15, 1946. “Pop and Mop” as they were affectionately known to so many, had a marriage that lasted until her passing in 2014. Up until the last couple of years Pop would be observed visiting her gravesite at least once a day. He delighted in his daughters Sandra, Carol, and Debbie. He was a favorite of their friends for he provided exciting jeep rides and trips to the lake for swimming, skiing, camping, and arrowhead hunting. After the daughters came 6 grandchildren who were introduced to jeep riding, four wheeling, camping, and exploring the West. As long as there were grandchildren who had not yet left for college, Pop and Mop loaded grandchildren into their van and headed on an adventure each summer. The adventures didn’t stop with grandchildren, it’s rumored Pop and Mop raced each other in Washington, D.C., while each pushed a stroller with a four-year-old great grandchild. Pop and Mop welcomed each addition to the family, whether by birth or marriage, with open arms and a lot of love. Pop even lived long enough to hold the newest addition his great-great grandson and namesake Ralph Edward Tucker. After high school, Ralph worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority until his induction into the Army in December 1942. His military service to our country during World War II was spent in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. On September 2, 1945 he witnessed the signing of the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri from a nearby ship. After the war, Ralph returned to his job with TVA working in East Tennessee and Northern Alabama until transferring to the New Johnsonville (TN) Steam Plant in 1952 as an electrician. In 1962 he transferred to Paradise (KY) Steam Plant. In January 1963 the family relocated to Greenville. Ralph lived a life of service to others. He was a charter member of the New Johnsonville Lions Club as well as a long-time member of the Greenville Lions Club. He and Mary Jane were recognized for their support of the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast. Ralph loved history, the outdoors, guns, hunting, and camping. He was well-known for his knowledge of guns and the repair of guns. Ralph was a long-time member of Greenville First Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon at the age of 96.
Ralph Bryant was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his wife of 68 years.
He is survived by his daughters Sandra and husband Ray Tucker of Rome, GA., Carol and husband Frank Garabato of Bowling Green, and Debbie and husband Roger Heltsley of Greenville, grandchildren John (Kristin) Tucker, Bryan (Misty) Tucker, Mary Elizabeth (Randall) Parmley, Nick Brown, Joseph (Jessica) Renfrow, Lindsay (Will) Ward, step-grandchildren Patrick (Shannon) Heltsley and Josh (Whitney) Heltsley, great grandchildren Andrew (Erica)Tucker, Emma Tucker, Jake Tucker, Kayley Tucker, Isabel Brown, Grady Ward, and Emily Brown, step-great grandchildren Christian Heltsley, Evan Heltsley, Kyley Bryd, Christian Bryd, Hudson Heltsley, Harrison Heltsley, and Autumn Nichols, great-great grandson Ralph Tucker, step-great-great granddaughter Lilly Jones.
Visitation will be held at Gary’s Funeral Home at 10:00 AM until time of service. Gary’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Roger Heltsley on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Gary’s Funeral Home Greenville, KY with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery with military honors.
The family wishes to thank special caregivers Stacy Burden, Kelly Cary, Debbie Crick, Kandi Hawkins, Pam Hayward, Vickie Johnson, and Sharon Page who treated Pop with the greatest love and respect for the 18 months.
Contributions may be made to the Greenville Lion’s Club, PO Box 151, Greenville 42345.