Thomas Gray Bryant

Mr. Thomas Gray Bryant, 80, of Mount Airy, passed away Friday, March 23, 2018, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He was born September 17, 1937, in Surry County, to the late Clay and Bessie Holt Bryant. Mr. Bryant graduated from Franklin High School in 1956 and then went to Nashville Auto and Diesel College, where he graduated in 1957. He then went on to earn his Unlimited Electrical Contractors License as well as a Level 3 Mechanical Inspection Certificate. Mr. Bryant served our country in the National Guard, where he retired with First Sergeant Rank after 24 years. Mr. Bryant was the Chief Building Inspector/Director for Surry County, where he retired after 42 years of service. Mr. Bryant was appointed by three different governors to the North Carolina Electrical Licensing Contractors Board, where he served for 16 years and spent two terms as board chairman. Mr. Bryant was also past president of Ellis Canady Chapter of North Carolina Electrical Contractors, as well as the past president of the North Carolina Mechanical Association. Mr. Bryant was a member of Renfro Masonic Lodge #691 A.F. and A.M. and Granite Masonic Lodge # 322 A.F. and A.M. for 55 years; he was also a member of the Oasis Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S. of Charlotte. He was a faithful member of the Mount Airy Order of the Eastern Star #18 for 40 years, where he served in many leadership positions, including 14 terms as Worthy Patron, District Deputy of the 19th District and State Representative. He was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he attended for over 40 years. He also played music with the Dry Hill Draggers, as well as Benton Flippen and The Smokey Valley Boys. His other joy was watching his grandchildren play sports. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Frances Danley Bryant of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Jeff Ralston of Salisbury; three grandchildren, Madelynn, Gray, Bryant; four bonus grandchildren, James, Jordan-Leigh, Brandon and Jacob; nieces, Betty Mosley Whitley and Karen Mosley Sofia; nephew, Steven Mosley; as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, along with many, many close friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bryant was preceded in death by a sister, Arlene Hauser; and his stepdad, Jobe Scott. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Alex L. Martin and the Rev. John Kinder officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, with military honors by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard and Masonic rites by Renfro Masonic Lodge #691 A.F. and A.M and Granite Masonic Lodge #322 A.F. and A.M. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the T. Gray Bryant Memorial Scholarship Fund, Surry Community College Foundation, 630 South Main Street, Dobson, NC 27017.

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