Gary Bryant

Gary was born in 1936 on September 9, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Homer and Juanita Bryant. After graduating from Seminole

High School in 1954, he attended what is now East Central State University in Ada, Oklahoma graduating with a degree in

Chemistry and Biology.

Gary married Cynthia Ann Cochran in 1957. The young couple moved to Perryton, Texas, where both were educators, followed

by a relocation to Denton for continued careers in education and a Masters degree for Gary in 1963. Upon his graduation, the

Bryants moved to Hurst, Texas, where both continued teaching. Gary served as an educator and administrator in the Hurst-

Euless-Bedford Independent School District for thirty years, ultimately retiring as Assistant Superintendent of Secondary

Education.

While Gary received numerous awards for his contributions to the field of education, he was most proud of his family. Gary

and Cynthia welcomed a son, Barry Edward, in 1964, and a daughter, Leslie Ann, in 1967. He and his family loved to travel,

packing up their camper often for excursions across the country. Gary referred to Cynthia, who preceded him in death in 2015,

as “the love of his life.” He adored his grandchildren, and they in turn loved their “Pap Pap.”

Gary loved travel, and he loved the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were lifelong passions, in part because he enjoyed them

with friends he held dear. Gary’s stories about their escapades and adventures–which included a fair share of hilarious

mishaps–were often told with his children and grandchildren present. In later years, he greatly enjoyed getting together

with HEB school friends once a week for breakfast.

Gary enjoyed music all his life. He was a fan of jazz, and played drums in college. His selection of a wife proved fortunate as

Cynthia was an accomplished pianist and taught music all her life. Their house was a musical home, and some of our best

memories are when the family was gathered together on holidays and all would sit in the big, back room and take turns calling

out hymns to sing together.

Gary and Cynthia enjoyed antiquing together. He wasn’t just along for the ride, but would find his own favorite items to gather

and display, like old fishing reels, duck decoys, and pocket knives which he would one day pass on to his children and

grandchildren.

Gary was soft spoken and wise. Possessing a dry wit, he was known to add a light-hearted moment in the midst of a tense

situation. When asking some of his family about their own careers in education, he referred to their roles as ones who were

“stamping out ignorance.” He was quieter than he was loud, but his words carried weight. Slower to act rather than quick to

overreact. Thoughtful, perhaps pensive.

Gary’s Christian faith was the foundation of his life. He worshipped and served in the Church of Christ wherever he lived. He

and Cynthia raised their family at Pipeline Road Church of Christ, then moved with their church family to Legacy Church of

Christ when the congregation relocated.

Gary Bryant passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026. He is survived by his children Barry Bryant, and his wife Maria; Leslie

Miller and her husband Brian. Gary’s grandchildren are Jennifer Bryant Kielius, and her husband Stephen; Caleb Miller, and his

wife Caity; Erin Miller Britten, and her husband, Gabriel; Sarah Bryant Avant, and her husband Scott; and Jeb Miller. Gary is

survived also by two great-granddaughters, Marley Miller and Clara Britten.