On the morning of Jan. 17, 2024, Royce Syvelle Bryant stepped into Heaven following a courageous battle with cancer. Royce was 69 years old. He was born to Lake and Norine Bryant on July 21. 1954. Royce received his bachelor’s degree (1977) and master’s degree (1980) in Plant Pathology from the University of Arkansas. While at Arkansas, he met and married his college sweetheart, Cheryl Blackwood Bryant, in 1978.
He began his career managing Spirit Lake Farm in Texarkana, Ark. and, in 1988, moved his family to Memphis, Tenn., to join the team at Capital Agri Properties Services and would become President of the farm management division. Royce’s integrity and sense of humor would be hallmarks of his career and those with whom he worked were not only colleagues, but also, dear friends. He retired in 2022.
Royce is preceded in death by his parents, Lake and Norine Bryant. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Cheryl, and his daughter, Mandy, and son, Clay (Rachel).
He was known as Grandad to his three grandchildren: Austin, Aubrey, and Olivia. He leaves his sister, Carolyn Turner and niece, Kristy Kidd (Shane); sister Linda Daugherty (Charles); and brother, Larry Bryant (Ginger) and nieces: Shannon Napier (Tim) and Sarah Conlin (Tim) and great-nieces Emily Napier, Noelle Napier, Riley Conlin, and great-nephew, Jackson Conlin. He is, also, survived by his brother-and sister in-law, Tom and Cathy Blackwood; niece, Melissa Busch (Jimi) and nephew, Jeff Blackwood.
Royce was a faithful member of Hope Presbyterian Church where he enjoyed preparing food for the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and developed deep friendships with the Men of Hope. His sense of purpose was fulfilled on his mission trips with Men’s Ministry as he served others in Christ’s name from Mexico to Alaska.
His joy was tangible when he was with his friends and family. Whether he was turkey hunting with you or helping out when you needed it, you knew how much he cared.
Royce’s sense of humor was legendary from putting a chicken in the Dean’s office in college to the ones who were fortunate enough to receive one of his witty poems. To say he will be missed is an understatement. The laughter and love he shared with each of us was our blessing.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 26, in Nashville, Ark. at Latimer Funeral Home at 11 a.m. followed by burial at Ozan Cemetery.
His life verse was so appropriate for him. It’s “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Psalm 100:2
Heaven gained our hero who lived and loved with his whole heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made to the Men’s Ministry of Hope Presbyterian Church.
