Charlie W. Bryant

Charles W. Bryant, 86 passed away on January 24, 2020.  A native of Irwin County, he was the son of Homer Wade Bryant and Betty Elizabeth Ring Bryant. 

Survivors include his grandchildren, Dwan (Ben) Broomberg of Valdosta, Brittany (Dennis) Dozier of Loganville, and Summer Bryant (Ray Alvareq) of Jacksonville, Fl; great grandchildren, Hunter Broomberg, and Reed Broomberg; daughter in law, Regina Bryant of Lenox; very special friend, Betty Simpson of Nashville; three brothers, Julian Wade Bryant of Fitzgerald, Wenzell Bryant of Ocilla, and Eulace Bryant of Fitzgerald; sister, Betty Ruth Bryant Sumner of Ocilla; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was married to the late Jean Strickland Bryant for 44 years prior to her death in June 2005.  He and Jean had two sons, Bill, who passed away in November 2019 and Ned, who was tragically killed in 1982. Charlie was also preceded in death by one sister, Ednora Bryant Davis.

After graduating from Ocilla High School in 1950, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan.  Following his military service, Charlie began a career in law enforcement that began in 1956 as a Georgia State Trooper.  In 1972, he became a Special Agent with the GBI.  Charlie worked in the private sector for 8 years with Long Manufacturing Company.  In 1980, Charlie was elected as Sheriff of Cook County, taking office on January 1, 1981.  He served in this office for 28 years and retired in 2008. 

Charlie was a true public servant who loved helping the people of Cook County and the State of Georgia.  He was honored with many awards/commendations including the Liberty Bell Award twice, Adel Cook Chamber Man of the Year in 2008, and Outstanding Public Service Commendation.  In addition, at the request of Cook County Commissioners, State Representative Penny Houston sponsored a bill passed by the State Legislature to name a section of Highway 41 North as the “Sheriff Charles W. Bryant” Highway.

Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Lenox Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Parker and Rev. Carl Metzger officiating.  Interment will follow at Brushy Creek Church Cemetery.  The family will be receiving friends Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m. at Purvis Funeral Home

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