Gareth Horton Bryant, 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison, Alabama on March 11, 2021. Born to Euclid and Edna Bryant of Gadsden, Alabama in 1940, Gareth is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joyce Denton Bryant; daughters, Denise Bryant of Dallas, Texas and Amy Bryant (Joshua Cancel) of Arlington, Virginia; and grandsons, Lucas and Cameron Cancel.
Gareth graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1962 with degrees in music and history and, in 1972, earned a master’s degree from Auburn University in vocational counseling. He worked with Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Huntsville for 34 years helping others gain independence through employment. A supportive and humorous husband, father, and grandfather, Gareth enjoyed traveling widely across the United States with his wife and spending time with his daughters, son-in-law, and young grandsons. He particularly enjoyed hosting large family gatherings with Joyce at their home, sharing meals and Dos Equis beers with family and friends at Rosie’s, and being an active and loving grandfather. Reading to his grandsons, making them laugh with silly jokes, and sharing his coconut pie with them at their favorite diner were the highlights of his last years. Gareth was also an avid supporter of the UAH Chargers basketball program. As season ticket holders with his wife, Gareth was a fixture at Charger basketball games and tournaments for over 35 years.
Outside of his family, Gareth’s greatest and lifelong passion was music. He learned to play trumpet and piano as a young boy and spent his early adult years as a high school music teacher. Upon moving to Huntsville, Gareth joined the Charlie Lyle Combo, a popular local ensemble, and found joy and friendship playing music with the group and entertaining Huntsville for over 40 years. In 2019, Gareth was diagnosed with CJD, a rare brain disease. Although the disease impaired his ability to communicate, Gareth always enjoyed the comfort of his family and never lost his passion for singing and listening to music.
The family would like to express appreciation to the nurses, staff, and chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospice for their support in Gareth’s last months. The family would also like to recognize Dr. Hassan for his kindness with Gareth’s care and Dr. Mengesha for expertly diagnosing Gareth’s rare disease.
A celebration of life for Gareth will take place when it is safe to gather again. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the CJD Foundation (CJDFoundation.org or 3634 W. Market St., Suite 110, Akron, Ohio 44333) or your favorite charity.
Condolences may be sent to the family’s address in Madison or bryantfamilyhsv@gmail.com.
Online guestbook and obituary are available at www.heritageofnwa.com.
