William Bryant

WILLIAM BRYANT, was born on November 22, 1934 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late Felix Bryant, Sr., and the late Ruth Toland, (she died when he was four years old, and the late Susie Cross Bryant continued to raise him). William crossed over to be with his Lord and Savior on September 1, 2022.

At the age of 7, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland residing on East Madison Street. It was in this neighborhood that he developed his passion for boxing and one could find him regularly at the Mack Lewis Boxing Gym honing his skills.

It was also on Madison Street where he met his childhood sweetheart, Minnie Grant. They married on July 23, 1955. From this union, they were blessed with three daughters, Sharon Angela, Cheryl Suzette and Sheree Minnette.

William attended Baltimore City Public Schools and later enlisted in the U.S. Army where he received an honorable discharge. He held multiple employment positions in the Baltimore area and as an adult was affiliated with Umar Boxing Gym where he volunteered to coach. He even trained family members in the sport of boxing.

Later in life, he accepted Christ and was baptized at First Apostolic Faith Church. He was a proud Black man who loved to debate social injustice, Black history and empowerment issues. He would immerse himself with books on these topics. Learning Spanish was another favorite pastime. Thus he was always eager to demonstrate his self-taught skills. In his spare time, William dabbled in writing. His creative expressions led him to write and direct a short play, "Pray for a Win" as well as several poems to his wife. Playing the lottery brought him enjoyment. He was confident he had the strategy to become a lucky Mega Millions winner so he could, "Get his wheels and move off the hill."

Those who preceded him in death are his brothers Felix Bryant, Jr., Ralph Toland, Richard Bryant and Alfred Bryant.

He is survived by his wife, Minnie; his daughters and their spouses Sharon Harrison (Robert), Cheryl Wood (Keith) and Sheree Bryant Davidson (Wilhelm); grandchildren Shanell Bryant, Ryan Harrison, Shaneia Bryant, Keira Wood and Kamren Wood; great-granddaughter, Cheyene Bryant; his sister, Mozell Bryant Battle; sisters-in-law, Naomi Harrison, Stephanie Cheeks, Jacqueline Cheeks; brothers-in-law, Louis Golphin, William Cheeks, Jr., John Cheeks and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.