Dr. James Owen Bryant

Dr. James Owen Bryant, age 93, of Nashville, Ark., died Jan. 9, 2014, in Conway, Ark. He was born Sept. 9, 1920, in McCaskill, Ark., to the late Oscar Lake Bryant and Lilla V. Holt Bryant. He is survived by his wife, of 62 years, Dorothy; daughters, Susan Bryant and Carole Jackson, both of Conway; and grandsons, Anthony Jackson of New York, Drew Jackson of Colorado Springs and Alex Jackson of Fayetteville. He was a Methodist and former member of the Board of Stewards of the church in Nashville. Dr. Bryant graduated from Nashville High School, attended A&M College in Magnolia (now Southern Arkansas University ) and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. While at SMU , he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Force as an air traffic controller. He received his doctor of optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. He was a member of Omega Delta while attending Southern College. He practiced optometry in Nashville for 38 years. He was a life member of both the Arkansas and American Optometric Associations. In 1983 he was awarded the first World Optometric Ambassador of the Year Award by Scope International of Atlanta, Ga., an international optometric education group. He was also a former member of the Lion's Club and the American Legion in Nashville. Dr. Bryant was a world traveler, having traveled to all 50 states, more than 75 countries and all 7 continents. A private graveside service will be held by the family at Ozan cemetery in Bingen, Ark. Memorials can be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock. The family greatly appreciates the kindness shown by Gentiva Hospice, especially Brett Jackson. Arrangements by Griffin Leggett Conway Funeral Home. Please share your memories of Dr. Bryant with the family at his online guest registry, www.griffinleggettconway.com.