Gene Bryant

Husband, father, and grandfather, Billie Gene Bryant, passed away on April 11th, 2024, at Springfield Regional Hospital in Springfield Ohio. Gene was born in Portsmouth, Ohio on January 26th,1947 to parents David Bryant and Betty Bryant Butcher. He is reunited with his sister Ella Bryant Holmes and brother David E. Bryant in eternal peace.

Gene's legacy shines brightly through the memories he created during his lifetime. A hardworking individual, Gene devoted 22 years as a pressman at Brown and Kroger Printing followed by another 11 years at Thomas Graphics before retiring in 2009. His dedication and commitment to his craft were unwavering.

However, beyond his professional career, Gene's true joy came from being surrounded by his beloved family. A man of simple pleasures, he found immense happiness in spending time with his loved ones. Whether tending to chores on the farm or sharing moments of mischief with his grandkids while riding his four-wheeler, Gene cherished every opportunity to create lasting memories.

Characterized by a mischievous sparkle in his eye, Gene had a remarkable ability to bring smiles to those around him with his light-hearted shenanigans. His favorite moments were spent relaxing on the deck with a cold drink in hand, accompanied by his cherished dogs, embracing the tranquil country life he held dear.

Gene was a quiet yet deeply caring individual who found his greatest passion in family life. He married the love of his life, Gwendolyn Keehn Bryant, on December 15th, 1973 - a union that lasted blissfully for half a century. Together they nurtured a shared love for breeding, raising, and riding horses on their farm in Champaign County since May of 1979.

Gene's devotion extended by passing down his affection for horses to his son Travis and later witnessing the same passion flourish within his granddaughters Maddie and Olivia. Moreover, he was an avid sports enthusiast who wholeheartedly supported Travis during his wrestling career in high school that often times meant traveling the countryside, and later, his college football career at Urbana University.

His joys multiplied as he cheered on all three granddaughters through their softball endeavors and later expanded his support to include soccer, baseball, and basketball games involving Grace, Jake, and Sammy, and then finally Blaine and Gretchen. From the ballfields to the youth baseball arenas to IUPUI in Indianapolis- wherever there was a game being played - Gene could be found exuding pride and enthusiasm for all 8 of his grandchildren.

In addition to Gwendolyn Keehn Bryant - his cherished wife for five decades - Gene is survived by sisters Jeannette Bryant Hacker and Mary Sue Weaver; sons Carlos (Carrie) Bryant and Travis (Tiffany) Bryant; grandchildren Madison (Sekou) Bryant, Brooklyn (Kaden) Bryant; Olivia (Aaron) Bryant; Blaine Thomas Bryant; Gretchen Jean Bryant; Grace Ludlow; Jacob Ludlow; Samuel (Hailey) Ludlow along with numerous other relatives and friends who will continue to honor his memory with love and admiration.

A man whose kindness knew no bounds; Gene's presence will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His memory will forever live on through the countless lives he touched with his warmth and generosity.

Services honoring Gene's life will be held at the Walter and Lewis Funeral Home located at 642 S Main St., Urbana Ohio. A visitation will take place from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on April 18th followed by a funeral service starting at 7:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Champaign County 4H Horse Council. Please mail contributions to 1512 S. US Highway 68, Suite B100, Urbana OH 43078, attn: Champaign Co. 4H Horse Council.

May we find solace in knowing that Gene's legacy will forever remain etched in our hearts as we bid farewell to a kind and gentle soul who graced our lives with immeasurable love and laughter.

Rest peacefully now dear Gene until we meet again someday...