Reverend Donald Lee Bryant

Reverend Donald Lee Bryant, departed this life peacefully on Friday, September 2, 2022, at his long-time home on Jacksfork in Rockholds, Kentucky, surrounded by many members of his family. He was 73 years old.
Donald was born to Polly and Lawrence Bryant, also formerly of Jacksfork.
He was a lifelong Whitley Countian, leaving only when he joined the United States Army in 1967 as a lineman. He saw combat in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1970. He married his wife, Karen Jane Bryant (formerly, “Baird”) of Jellico Creek, on July 7, 1968, who remained his loyal partner and companion until his passing.
Following his military service, Donald attended the then-Cumberland College, graduating with a History of Religion Bachelor’s Degree. Donald then attended Clear Creek Seminary and became a Southern Baptist Minister.
Donald and Karen settled on Jacksfork and he thereafter lived a professional life of both service and faith. His work history includes lengthy tenures with National Standard in Corbin and Pine Knot Job Corps in McCreary County, having retired from the latter in 2015, where he enjoyed educating young minds about maintenance and repair.
During his pastoral career, he ministered at First Baptist Church of Rockholds, Corinth Baptist Church of Corbin, and Meadow Creek Baptist Church.
A lifelong farmer, Donald grew tobacco and always kept a healthy stable of ponies for his children, and then later, his grandchildren, to enjoy. His grandchildren will undoubtedly remember Sunday pony rides with Don as their protector and guide.
He leaves behind his wife, Karen; his son, Jeremy Bryant (wife, Melinda) of Corbin; and his daughter, Stephanie Mullins (husband, Ronnie). He is predeceased by his son, Stacey Lee Bryant, and eight siblings, and he is survived by his sibling, Billy Wayne Bryant. He leaves behind many grandchildren: Madison Bryant, Morgan Bryant, Kierra Mullins, Ariana Mullins, Bryant Mullins, Aliyah Bryant, and Maya Bryant. He also leaves behind several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He remained throughout his life close with his in-laws, and is survived by his brother-in-law, John Baird of Richmond, and his brother-in-law, Jerome Baird and his wife, Daphne, of Williamsburg.
Donald loved fishing, spending time with his family, tending to his farm, and watching sports—especially U.K. Basketball. The family wishes to recognize Donald’s “Special Nieces,” who went above and beyond in Donald’s end-of-life care: Elizabeth Grubb of Rockholds; Melissa Clark of London; and Patricia Poynter-Campbell of Woodbine. The family additionally recognizes Donald’s brother, Billy Wayne Bryant, for his loyal service to his brother during the final months of his life.
Visitation will be at 12:00 P.M. until the hour of the funeral on Sunday, September 4, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral Service will be at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 4, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kenny Carr and Rev. Ronnie Mullins officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Bryant Haven Cemetery on Freeman Hollow Road on Jacks Fork.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wolf Creek Baptist Church Building Fund.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.croleyfh.com.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.