William Dow "Bill" Bryant

William Dow Bill Bryant, 79, of Roanoke Rapids passed away Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at his home.

Mr. Bryant was born May 17, 1933 in Vance County, NC. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Rensy D. Bryant and Ethel Ingram Bryant and Ezzie and Sadie Bacle; four brothers and sisters: Archie Bryant, John Ellis Bryant, Totsie Butts and Emma Johnson.

Bill was a member of Quankie Baptist Church. He was also co-owner of Harris-Joyner Sporting Goods in the 1970s. In 1981 Bill and his wife Sybil started Bryants Place, which they owned and operated until his death. He loved hunting, water skiing and riding horses. Bill also dearly loved his dog Sam.

He is survived by his wife Sybil Bryant of the home; son: Rip Bryant of Roanoke Rapids; daughters: Debbie Wheeler and her husband Eddie of Grifton, NC and Andrea Ammerman of Gasburg, VA; brother: Grady Neal, Sr. of Roanoke Rapids; sister: Virginia Britton of Chincoteague, VA; three grandchildren: Christopher Wheeler and his wife Tori, LeAnna Mead and her husband Darrell , Michael Chase Bryant; great grandchildren: Everett Wheeler and Nathan Wayne Mead.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, July 14, 2012 at Quankie Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Boyd, Rev. Henry Stephens and Rev. Ray McDonald officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 P.M. Friday, July 13, 2012 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Quankie Baptist Church, 4070 Highway 48, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870..