October 2, 1939 – July 6, 2025
Homer W. Bryant, 85, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away in his Carmel home July 6, 2025. He was born in Richmond County, Va., on October 2, 1939, the only child of Hazel Hunter Russell and Paul Revere Bryant. The Bryants moved from the northern neck of Virginia to Baltimore when Homer was just a young boy. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic High School.
Master Chief Homer Bryant enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 and was an honor graduate from boot camp in sunny San Diego. He then attended advanced technical training as a submarine nuclear missile technician, eventually rising to the exalted rank of Master Chief Petty Officer during the dark and foreboding days of the Cold War. Homer’s treasured submarine service time took him to duty stations around the world. He served five different nuclear submarines with deployments too numerous to recount. His selection as Chief of the Boat validated Homer’s quiet competence and leadership qualities. During his 25 years of honorable Naval service, Homer led several large submarine commands before retiring in 1987.
Homer was an avid reader and passed his love of the written word to his three children and grandchildren. He loved teaching his young grandsons about nature, God’s “critters,” engines, MGs, submarines, and space. He was particularly close to his first grandson, Turner. They would spend hours outside learning about bugs, birds, and the ocean.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; children, Chris (Lisa) Bryant, Laura Bryant, and Carrie (Harold) Edwards; along with his grandchildren, Turner Ashby Edwards (Sara), Samuel Cooper Edwards, Grady Forrester Bryant, Thomas Logan Edwards, and Wade Hampton Edwards; and great-grandchildren, William Marshal Edwards and young Henry Wallace Edwards.
In addition to his parents, Homer was preceded in death by his first wife, Barrie.
Homer’s final resting place will be in the family plot at the Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, Alfonso, Va.
There will be a private family service at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Homer, please direct all contributions to the following charities: Charleston Animal Society/John Ancrum SPCA, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406 (charlestonanimalsociety.org); Keeper of the Wild, 1606 Coolers Road, Walterboro, SC 29488 (keeperofthewild.org).
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com