Elwood Nmn Bryant

Elwood Bryant, age 77, of Decatur, TN, went home to be with the Lord Monday, December 6, 2010 at his residence. Elwood was born February 15, 1933 in Cherokee, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his parents Hatlie Boyd and Ailene (Beaver) Bryant. Surviving siblings are Opal Bryant of Cleveland, TN, Charles and Phyllis Bryant of Decatur, TN, Teddy Bryant of Jacksonville, Fl and Roy and Sande Bryant of Woodstock, GA. Elwood attended Meigs County Schools and served as his graduating class' Salutatorian. After turning down a full scholarship to University of Tennessee and an opportunity to attend West Point, he joined the United States Navy. His career spanned 2 decades, 2 wars, numerous naval cruises and achievements. He completed his military service as a Naval Senior Chief Petty Officer and retired in 1970 in San Diego, California. Later that year, he joined the United States Border Patrol in El Centro, California. Numerous achievements with the Border Patrol included attaining the esteemed position as Border Patrol Agent in Charge of the Calexico, California Station. He retired from the United States Border Patrol in 1990. He married Myrtle Nance in 1955. Their life together took them to many places, including Hawaii, Midway Island, California with retirement finding them back in Tennessee in 2003 on Bryant Family Land. He was a member of the Ten Mile Baptist Church. He served there as a Deacon. He also served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church, El Centro, CA for 24 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 79, V.F.W. Post 1189, AMVETS Post TN90, Fleet Reserve Association, Fraternal Order Retired Border Patrol. He is survived by his wife Myrtle (Nance) Bryant of Decatur, TN; sons and daughters-in-law, Richard Aaron and Janet Bryant of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and Randal Elwood and Lola Bryant of Ten Mile, TN; one daughter Renee Yvonne Bryant Lynn of Decatur, TN; and adopted son Vincent (Shorty) Galzerano of San Diego, CA; Grandchildren are Matthew & Michael Bryant of Ocean Springs, MS; Jason and Yunuen Lynn of El Centro, CA; Desiree and Luis Castellanos of Athens, TN; Timothy Grube and Charles Elwood Bryant of Ten Mile, TN. Great Grandchildren: Gavin Bryant of Jay, ME; Michael, Pamela and Bettie Lynn of El Centro, CA and Kimberly Martin, Isabel Castellanos, Jose Castellanos and Elwood Castellanos of Athens, TN; and a host of good friends. Bowers Funeral Home in Decatur, TN is handling the arrangements. Viewing will be Friday evening, December 10, 2010 from 5-8pm. Services will be held Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 2pm in the Bowers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jamie Lones and Rev. Jimmy Lewis officiating. Interment will be immediately after services at Shiloh Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Matthew Bryant, Michael Bryant, Timothy Grube, Charles E. Bryant, Vincent Galzerano, and Luis Castellanos. Honorary pallbearers are: Jason Lynn Harley Loop, Jim Holdridge, and J.T. Boswell (absentia). The family has asked that donations be made to the American Legion Post 79 Meigs County in lieu of flowers. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for all the prayers and thoughts during their time of need.