LEON O. BRYANT
Dec. 7, 1923-April 3, 2014
Leon Odell Bryant, 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at the Carolina House in Chapel Hill.
Leon was born in Johnston County on Dec. 7, 1923 to the late James Henry Bryant and Sadie Irene Pulley Bryant. He was married to the late Bertha Mae Savage Bryant, who preceded him in death on July 7, 2001.
Leon was one of Wayne County's most successful businessmen and was known for building a regional network of auto parts stores. He started his business on Mulberry Street and increased to 12 stores before he sold his business to Carquest. Leon will be remembered for helping others start their own businesses in the auto parts world. He always believed strongly in customer service and he demonstrated this time and time again by responding to Sunday and after hour calls.
Leon lived a life of dedication to his family and friends, and to his community. He served his community in many ways by sponsoring events that helped local causes, such as police, education and United Way. Leon always enjoyed traveling in and out of the country with his wife. He especially liked to visit Las Vegas and traveled there many times. He also enjoyed the family beach time at Atlantic Beach, where he owned a cottage for many years.
Leon was a longtime member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, where he and his family were not only there for church but for all other events. He was devoted to his church, served as a deacon, and was involved in many activities where he utilized his gifts and abilities to share the love of God. Leon remained active at his church until his illness no longer allowed him to do so. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends, especially during Easter and Christmas celebrations which included wonderful meals, games and laughter.
A service celebrating Leon's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2014 at First Christian Church with the Rev. Dr. Frederick Clarke presiding. Entombment will follow in Wayne Memorial Park.
Leon is survived by his daughters, Libby Bryant Jacobi and Lynda Bryant Baddour and husband, Richard A. Baddour; five grandchildren, Geoff Jacobi, Matthew Jacobi, Allen Baddour Jr. and wife, Holly, David Baddour and wife, Carey, and Jennifer Snead and husband, Kevin; and nine great-grandchildren, Ann Morgan, Campbell, Henry, Jack, Lauren, Johnathan, Julia, William and Lynley. He is also survived by a granddaughter-in-law, Kay Jacobi, as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Louise Garner, and brothers, Jimmy Bryant and Jackie Bryant.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to First Christian Church, 1609 E. Ash Street, Goldsboro, N.C. 27530 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Va. 22312.
The family will receive friends today from 7-9 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at his residence.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com
Published in Obituaries on April 6, 2014 11:29 AM