Bennie Dean Bryant, 68, of rural South Whitley, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family at 2:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.

He was born Sept. 4, 1952, in Floyd County, Ky., a son of the late Troy and Susie (Stanley) Bryant. His formative years were spent in Kentucky, where he graduated from Wheelwright High School.

On Dec. 13, 1971, he entered the U.S. Air Force. Becoming a security specialist, he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 12, 1975.

On April 28, 1978, he married Ruth Christine “Chris” Bright. They made their home in North Manchester and, for the past ten and a half years, rural South Whitley.

For 21 years, Bennie worked for Cyclone Manufacturing in their shipping and receiving department.

He enjoyed his country home planting a large vegetable garden annually and landscaping his property. He liked shooting sports and long leisurely drives through his home state of Kentucky. He appreciated and read non-fiction books especially, documentaries. When his grandchildren came along, they became the joy of his life. But he always had a special place in his heart for his Shish Tzu dogs, Lucy, Mollie, and Bailey and the two who passed on before him, Charlie Brown and Buddy.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Chris; a daughter, Jessica (Daniel) Oliver and a son, Jason Bryant, both of North Manchester; grandchildren, Caine, Jaelen, Baliegh, Ella, Blake, and Brandon; great-grandchildren, Clayton, Aubree, Alayah, Emmalyn, Caleb, and Braysyn; two brothers, Danny (Elizabeth) Bryant of Huntington and Kenny (Mary Jo) Bryant of Andrews; and two sisters, Magdalene (Jerry) Moore and Pauline Hill both of Wayland, KY.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ocelene Henderson.

The funeral service is 6 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Visitation is from 3 p.m. until the service Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to final expenses c/o Smith & Sons Funeral Home.