Donald "Don" Clifton Bryant

Donald Clifton Bryant, 81, of Benton, Arkansas, entered into eternity on September 14, 2026. He was born on February 6, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Dewey and Mildred Bryant. One of six children, Don was a man who loved deeply, lived loudly, and never met a stranger.

Don worked as a boiler operator at Alcoa, where he met many lifelong friends who formed a group known as “The Fishing Buddies”. He also proudly served his country in the United States Air Force but never sought recognition for his military service. Quietly doing his part without expecting praise was simply who Don was.

Don was rarely still. He was always busy with something, whether tending his garden, hunting, fishing, or enjoying a good football game. He never claimed a favorite team because, to Don, he simply loved football. He loved his coffee and could be counted on to drink it all day, every day. He had an amazing laugh, a stubborn streak, and a personality that was impossible to overlook. He was loud and proud, full of life, and to know Don was to love him.

Above all, Don loved Jesus. He loved his church and often said that Jesus was his best friend. His faith was the foundation of his life, and his love for the Lord was evident in the way he lived and loved others.

Don loved his family more than anything in this world except the Lord. Yet of all the roles he carried in life, none meant more to him than being a Papa. His grandchildren were the center of his world, and he treasured every one of them. Being their Papa was, without question, his greatest accomplishment and one of the greatest joys of his life.

His memory is left to be cherished by his daughter, Velesta (Shannon) Parson; brothers, Leon, Wayne, and Stanley (Karen) Bryant; grandchildren, Bekka (Trey) Combs, Bryana (Dylan) Herron, Garrett (Jessica) Bryant, Hayleigh Kelley, Jayme (Blake) Yenner, and Grady Parson; numerous great-grandchildren; his fiancée, Janis Rafferty; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and church family who loved him dearly.

Welcoming him home with open arms were his beloved wife of 52 years, Vivian Bryant; his daughter, Adriel Taylor; his son, Dennis Bryant; his grandson, Grant Taylor; and his sisters, Donna Jean Smith and Betty Ann Teer. Don and Vivian were married on March 18, 1967, and shared a beautiful marriage as they raised their three children together. After a lifetime of love, Don is now reunited with those he held dear.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who prayed for Papa. Your prayers meant the world to him, and he felt every one of them. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saline Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 554, Benton, AR 72018.

Services celebrating Don’s life will be held Friday, September 18, 2026, at Saline Missionary Baptist Church, with Brother Kim Hammer officiating. Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull, Arkansas.

Pallbearer honors have been entrusted to Garrett Bryant, Grady Parson, Blake Yenner, Dylan Herron, Keith Hammer, and Holly McCormick. Leon, Wayne, and Stanley Bryant will serve as honorary pallbearers.