Ralph Owens Bryant

Ralph O. Bryant was born and raised in Burnside, KY on March 11, 1934. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann Bryant;  daughters Pam (Bill) May and Sonja (Tal) Plumlee; grandchildren, Bryant Plumlee (20), Morgan Plumlee (17) and Garret Plumlee (15).  He was one of six children born to the late Carl and Mary Walden Bryant.  Surviving are a sister, Brenda Roaden and a brother, Raymond Bryant, both of Somerset, KY. Preceded in death by sister, Ann Warpool of Nashville, and brothers, Eddie Bryant of Bronston, KY, and Harold Bryant of Somerset, KY. Ralph loved sports and played basketball at Burnside High School in Burnside, KY, where he graduated in 1953.  He served in the Air Force where he played basketball with a travel team across the United States. He then earned an athletic scholarship to MTSU where he played basketball all four years and earned a bachelor's degree.  He then coached basketball at Red Boiling Springs for two years before going to Curt-Salmon Associates to learn the garment industry.  He worked for Osh Kosh for several years as well as other companies before starting his own garment factory in Celina, TN, from which he retired in 1983.  After retiring, Ralph joined a governmental agency to help establish industry in foreign countries.  In that capacity, he traveled to Costa Rica, Bolivia, Mexico and Jamaica.  Ralph was a people person and loved spending time with friends new and old.  He loved different cultures and enjoyed interacting with people from all walks of life.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them to fish and watching them play sports.  He was ordained a deacon at Celina First Baptist and served in many roles while there.  While still able to enjoy activities, Ralph participated as a Shriner in the Celina chapter.  He helped to transport children to the burn hospital in Cincinnati.  He was also an avid golfer for many years.  He moved to Lafayette, to be closer to his grandkids and medical facilities.  He served as a deacon at Lafayette First Baptist.  He was elected to the Tennessee Baptist Convention Board as well as the Baptist Hospital Board, including four hospitals.  He was forced to resign from these positions due to failing health.  He was an avid UK basketball fan as well as UT football fan!  Memorial donations may be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 2206, Brentwood, TN  37024 or through the funeral home.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m. at Lafayette First Baptist Church with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until service time.   ANDERSON & SON F.H., Lafayette, Directors.  615-666-4011