W.C. "Billy" Bryant

W.C. “Billy” Bryant, age 93 of Gulfport, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Esta Lena Bryant; his parents, H.B. and Malinda Saucier; his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Parker; his sister, Gwen Castanedo; and his brother, Stuart Saucier.

Billy is survived by his sons, Michael (Cindy) Bryant and Timothy (Melessa) Bryant; his grandchildren, Michael (Katarina) Bryant, Mary Katherine Bryant, Zeb Bryant, Kyle (Cam) Bryant and Kelsea (Brendan) Johnson; great grandchildren, Karter, Kallie and Karlee Johnson and Jasper Bryant; his nephew, Tommy Castanedo; his nieces, Julie (Dean) Vance, Selina (Pat) Warmack and Donna Parker and numerous cousins.

Born in Baxterville, Mississippi, he was raised in Lyman, Mississippi, where he proudly graduated from Lyman High School with the Class of 1952. After high school, he was offered a basketball scholarship to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College – Perkinston Campus. Instead, he chose to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy.

He honorably served for nearly four years aboard the USS Gurke during the Korean War in the Pacific Theater where he obtained the rank of Machinist’s Mate Third Class. Following his military service, he returned to Lyman, where he married the love of his life, Esta Lena. Together, they built a beautiful life and shared 48 years of marriage filled with love, family, and countless memories.

He began his 41-year career with United Gas Company in the measurement department. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced into management, serving as the District Operating Manager in Oxford before retiring in 1996 as District Manager of the Madison/Ridgeland office.

During his years in Jackson, he was an active and devoted member of Briarwood Drive Baptist Church. His faith was an important part of his life, and he faithfully served his church and community in many capacities. He served as an usher, Scoutmaster, and basketball coach for his sons. He loved being involved in the church and its activities, and his commitment to his faith and his church family was evident to all who knew him.

In retirement, he devoted much of his time to caring for Esta Lena and other family members. He had a generous heart and found great joy in being surrounded by the people he loved. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable happiness. He had a gift for making others feel welcome and truly never met a stranger.

In his final years, the time Billy spent with his cousins and lifelong classmates, Royce Saucier, Hugh Saucier, and Aaron Lee, meant so much to him. Sharing memories, laughter, and the bonds they had formed growing up together brought Billy great joy and was a treasured part of his later years.

He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be profoundly missed. His legacy of faith, service, devotion to family, and kindness will live on in all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Summerfield Living Gulfport for the compassionate care and kindness they provided. The friendships he made there will always be cherished and remembered with gratitude.

Visitation will be held from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, with graveside service to follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

An online guestbook guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com .