Obituaries

David Bryant

Photo of David  Bryant
David "Dave" How Bryant, age 79, of Conway, Ark., passed away at his home on Saturday, April 23. He was born Sept. 7, 1936 in Wichita, Kan. the son of the late Howard Selba Bryant and Harriett Park Bryant. Dave was a graduate of Tulsa High School, Tulsa University and Oklahoma University. Having a heart for children, Dave's career in the social work field spanned over 30 years. He specialized in emergency work with mental health centers in both Wisconsin and in Arkansas. After his retirement, Dave became involved with New Life Church of Conway as one of the first Stephens Ministry Counselors. In 2011, he travelled to China on a mission's trip teaching the children of Macau about Christianity. Upon his return to Arkansas, Dave and his wife, Nancy, hosted exchange students from Macau in their home. Through the International Friendship Outreach, Dave mentored a Chinese foreign exchange student who attended college at UCA. His impact on the exchange student was tremendously positive, as Dave led the young man to become a Christian. For many years, Dave and a few friends coordinated with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and held an annual fishing derby for the children of Conway at the Carl Stuart Middle School pond. Dave is preceded in death by his brothers James and Richard Bryant, and his daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Leaving a lasting legacy, Dave is survived by his wife, Nancy Foster Bryant; Mary Fulton Bryant, mother of his children; his sister, Sally Berry and husband Buford; and his children-David Bryant and wife Simona of Nyack, N.Y.; John Bryant and wife Lisa of Little Rock; Sarah Partlow and husband Brad of North Little Rock. Dave will be missed by his "bonus children" Mike Bullerwell and wife Whitnee of Maumelle; and Tammy Roberts and husband Chris of Conway. Dave was blessed with seven grandchildren that will miss him greatly. They are Mary Fulton Partlow, Jack Partlow, Sophia Bryant, Audrey Bryant, Nicole Roberts, Brandon Roberts and Emilee Bullerwell. Dave was a soldier for Christ. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor and compassion for others. He was best known for his quirky sense of humor, his very kind heart, his gentle voice and his "laid back" approach to life. As his health declined, Dave's hobbies changed from golfing and fishing to art, reading and writing poetry. Truly, Dave was a modern day "Renaissance Man." Dave's Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, 2 Natural Resources Drive in Little Rock, Ark., 72205 and to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 304 in Chicago, Ill., 60611. Online Guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.

Published April 25, 2016

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