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The South Atlantic Shrine Association
               

Illustrious Sir Harry M. Bryant, Sr., PP (Oasis)

President of the S.A.S.A. - 1975-76

Masonic Record: Ill. Sir Harry M. Bryant, Sr. served as Potentate of Oasis Shriners in 1965, he served as Director of Charlotte Court 109, Royal Order of Jesters in 1959 and was a life member, he was a member of Charlotte Scottish Rite Bodies and the Gason York Rite Bodies. He was a charter member of the South Atlantic Shrine Association and served as its second elected President in 1975-76. Ill. Sir Harry was a member of King Solomon Lodge No. 704, Gastonia, NC. On Wednesday, April 25, 2008 he received his 70 year Service award from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina. In 1966 he received the Joseph Montfort Award, this is the most distinguished acknowledgement of service or achievement that may be conferred upon a Master Mason in North Carolina by a Grand Master of North Carolina.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlotte, North Carolina, December 23, 2018

Announcement from the Current Potentate of Oasis Shrine: IN MEMORIAM: ILLUSTRIOUS SIR HARRY M. BRYANT, SR. - OASIS POTENTATE, 1965

It is with regret that we share news today of the passing of Illustrious Sir Harry M. Bryant, Sr. who served with distinction as Potentate of Oasis Shriners in 1965.

Illustrious Sir Bryant was the most senior (not oldest) living Past Potentate having served in the highest office of Oasis Shriners in 1965. In 1966, Illustrious Sir Bryant received the Joseph Montfort Medal, the most distinguished acknowledgement of service or achievement that may be conferred upon a Master Mason in good standing by a Grand Master of North Carolina. Illustrious Sir Bryant was a Life Member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Charlotte Court 109 having joined the Court in 1959 and serving as its Director in 1973.

Earlier this year, Illustrious Sir Bryant was personally presented with his 70 Year Service Award from the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in North Carolina having been a Master Mason for 70 Years.

Arrangements will be shared once available. We ask that you please remember First Lady Ruby, his loving wife of 75 years, and the entire Bryant family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cards to the family may be addressed to the home at 3601 Sherwood Circle, Gastonia, NC 28056.

John D. Burgess
Potentate

Obituary: GASTONIA, NC- Harry Miller Bryant, Sr. passed away peacefully at home in Gastonia on December 22. The sky was Carolina Blue!

He was born on March 15, 1921 in Gastonia, the second son of Charles King Bryant, Sr. and Mary Leila Miller Bryant.

Following his graduation from Gastonia High School, he attended the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee for a year then off to Chapel Hill until he was called to serve his country in World War II. He was stationed in Bungay, England at Flixton Air Base as a member of the Second Air Division, 446 Bomber Group, 707 Squadron. Their mission was loading bombs to drop in Normandy. He often mused "watching those planes was the prettiest sight he ever saw. The contrails the formed from the bombers over the English Channel looked like huge balls of snow in the sky."

After a US victory, Harry came back to join his father and helped incorporate Bryant Supply in 1948, a sister company of Bryant Electric Repair Co., to service the local Textile industry.
He took a fledgling business and built it into the 25th largest independent electrical and power transmission supply house in the US with loyal hardworking people. These dedicated people were family.

In the early days he loved traveling to watch Charlie "Choo-Choo" Justice work his magic. In later years he loved traveling to many FINAL FOURS with his Carolina family.

He has been a mentor to many and shown kindness, goodness and generosity to others throughout his productive life.

He recently received the Spirit of the Carolinas award and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his contributions to Gaston County.

His dedication to First ARP Church is heartfelt.

His love of family was paramount in his life. His devotion to the Shrine and the Crippled and Burned Child was longstanding.

His and Mom's love for Women's Golf helped pave the way on a regional level. He had five holes in one.

His loyalty to Chapel Hill was undying. He cherished the relationship he had with Coaches Smith and Williams.

And his service and commitment to his wonderful country was unwavering. He was one of the thousands who helped make America great.

Truly a life well lived. To him every day was Thanksgiving.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Ruby. They have embraced their neighbors and made friends one to two generations younger. In addition, he is survived by his son, Harry M. Bryant, Jr. and his wife, Holly; his son, Thomas L. Bryant and his wife, Rissie; his daughter, Suzanne B. Sadler and her husband, Wilson; and his youngest son, Richard K. Bryant and his wife, Suzy. His youngest brother, Hugh Bryant and his wife Mary Lewis.

Harry and Ruby have seven grandchildren, Baity Ferguson and her husband, Davis, York Bryant, Sr. and his wife, Martine, Harry Bryant, III "Brick" and his wife, Elizabeth, Josh Bryant, Sr. and his wife, Frances, Emily Bryant, Miller Bryant and Andy Bryant.

They also have seven great-grandchildren, Ellie Shine, Annabelle Shine, Thomas York, Jr. "Ty", Walker Bryant, Clarke Bryant, Harry Bryant, IV "Bo" and Reid Bryant.

Harry is preceded in death by his brothers, Richard J. Bryant, Sr. and Charles K. Bryant, Jr; a sister, Mary Bryant Newell; and by a loving family friend, Elizabeth Edwards.

A private family burial was held on Monday, December 24. A celebration of his life will be planned in the new year.

Condolences may be sent to the Bryant family at www.mcleanfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to , 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605
The Bryant family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Keisha Hanna for her compassionate care.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Bryant.

Published in Gaston Gazette on Dec. 26, 2018