Reece Coleman (Jake) Bryant, 79, of Rockbridge County, Virginia, died March 31, 2014 at Augusta Health.
Mr. Bryant was born May 16, 1934 to Harry and Beulah Nicely Bryant.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty Fauber Bryant; three children Barry Bryant (Debbie), Karen Moore (Larry), and Tony Bryant; four grandchildren, Nathan and Natalie Bryant, Amanda Buchanan, and Paul Bryant; and a brother, Jimmy Bryant (Barbara), and twin sister, Liz Craft (Sonny).
His family and friends knew him as a kind and caring person who was always willing to help others. His sense of humor and easygoing personality made him an immediately likeable guy, which served him well in his work and personal life.
Mr. Bryant was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, graduated from Fairfield High School in 1954 and began working for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) as a member of a survey party. During his 17 years at VDOT, he became an inspector and oversaw the construction of Interstates 81 and 64 in the Rockbridge County area.
In 1974, Mr. Bryant went to work for the city of Lexington as the construction supervisor for the public works department and was later promoted to public works superintendent. During his tenure at public works, he directed the downtown reconstruction project for the city of Lexington. He retired in 1997 after 23 years with Lexington public works and was the recipient of the Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club's public service award.
In retirement, Mr. Bryant spent his leisure time tending his vegetable garden and golfing with friends.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2014 at the Bolling, Grose, and Lotts Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Norman Tippins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Timber Ridge A.R.P. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018.
A special thanks to Dr. James Crews, Dr. Todd Wolf of the Hope Center, and to Augusta Health for their kindness and support.
Arrangements are being handled by Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Buena Vista, VA.
