November 3, 1944 – October 21, 2024

Johnnie Laurin Bryant, longtime dedicated educator, passed away peacefully in his home on October 21, 2024, in Cranfills Gap, Texas. Born November 3, 1944, in Grand Saline to Gordon and Glenda Bryant, Johnnie attended Grand Saline schools through 11th grade and graduated from Van High School in 1963. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1967, where he was stationed in Korea as a sharpshooter during the Korean War.

Johnnie then attended East Texas State University and began his teaching career in Red Oak. Johnnie met and later married Glenda Bilbrey on February 23, 1974. The couple had their first child, a daughter, Lauren, in September 1974, while living in Waxahachie. Johnnie and Glenda moved to Morgan in 1976, where they both served as educators, and Johnnie also as a coach.

In Morgan is where they welcomed a son, John Rayburn, in 1978. Mr. Bryant then became the elementary and middle school principal in Clifton, while Glenda remained in Morgan. The couple moved to Cranfills Gap in 1981, when Mr. Bryant became superintendent. He served the community of Cranfills Gap solely until he took on something that had not been done before, he became superintendent of both Cranfills Gap, and Morgan simultaneously for two years. Mr. Bryant resigned in Cranfills Gap and continued in Morgan. He retired and returned to education twice, both as a counselor serving Bosque County, and then back to his role as (interim) superintendent in Morgan for another 12 years.

In 2020, both he and Mrs. Bryant retired. Mr. Bryant was not only an amazing teacher and coach to the students in his classroom, or athletes on the field, but also a mentor to countless educators. Mr. Bryant always made decisions that put students first, while always supporting his teachers in the best ways he could and would always make sure families knew he wanted what was best for their child. He poured into the communities he served with all of his heart. He impacted hundreds and hundreds over the span of his career. The couple was so admired and respected in the community of Morgan that the newest gymnasium was dedicated to them in December 2019. The community had previously honored Mr. Bryant with the naming of John Bryant Field.

Mr. Bryant was preceded in death by his mother and father, Glenda and Gordon Bryant; brothers, Glynn and David Bryant; and sisters, Rhealene Lamb and Becky Bryant.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda; his children, Lauren Bryant and John Bryant; his grandchildren, Jaron Thomas and Jalon Hall; brother, Don Bryant; a host of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the John and Glenda Bryant Gymnasium at 1306 Charles Street, Morgan, Texas 76671.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: Cranfills Gap John Bryant Scholarship, P.O. Box 67, Cranfills Gap, Texas 76637 or Morgan John and Glenda Bryant Scholarship, P.O. Box 300, Morgan, Texas 76671 Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home Meridian, Texas 254-435-2792.