Tony Lee Bryant

Tony Lee Bryant was born in Elberton, GA, on November 15, 1957. He passed away on October 21, 2023, in Athens, GA.

If you knew Tony, you knew he enjoyed life's simple pleasures: a good home-cooked meal eaten with family, an afternoon nap on the couch, an evening watching the Braves or Georgia Bulldogs, reminiscing on days gone by. You could always count on him to show up and share his opinions with a calm strength. When he spoke, you wanted to listen. His consistent presence was a comfort to us all.

Tony loved his family. He was the oldest of "the seven Bryant children" and was his mom (Peggy) and dad (Leon's) pride and joy. It was known among the siblings not to try calling Peggy around 6 p.m. most days because that was a time she dedicated to a phone call with Tony. His absence among his family will be notable.

Tony's family, however, stretches far beyond his parents and siblings. Tony married Debi Grayson in 2007, and the two blended together a beautiful family whom they both love dearly. And it led Tony to the best job he's ever had: being "T" to his two grandsons, Gunnar and Sam.

Before Tony was a Georgia Bulldog fan, Tony bled blue for the Elbert County Blue Devils. A four-sport athlete and recipient of "Most School Spirit" in his senior year, Tony was a "devil" through and through. His dedication continued beyond high school as he returned to Elberton each Friday for many years to keep books for the football team. The only bigger Blue Devil fan in Elberton is his mom, Peggy.

A dedicated athlete, Tony invested in the local recreation department with a special commitment to coaching the Elbert County All-Stars girls' softball team. He constantly found a way to give back to others in ways that sparked the greatest joy in himself. Whatever he did, he was always all in. Again, if you had to pick two words to describe Tony, the best would be: consistent and dedicated.

Tony's professional legacy was marked by an extraordinary and diverse career in the world of construction and housing development. As a dedicated board member and former President of the Athens Area Home Builders Association, he exemplified unwavering commitment to his craft. Tony constructed homes in numerous subdivisions throughout Oconee County, including projects such as Laurel Shoals and Vintage Farms with R & M Development. His impact resonated across the nation as he was instrumental in countless student housing developments, working with Retreat Partners, Collegiate Construction, and Landmark Properties. His work stood as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession.

Losing Tony was unexpected and hard. To all who knew him, you know he had so much life still to give. But we also recognize he could have lived to be 105, and it still wouldn't have felt long enough, and we all miss him dearly as we are sure you do as well.

Tony was preceded in death by his beloved in-laws, Norm and Faye Grayson. In addition to his parents and his wife, he is survived by his stepson Dane Grayson (Chelsey), grandsons Gunnar and Sam Grayson, siblings Pam Ross (Louie), Debbie Wiley (Rich), Barry Bryant, Terry Bryant, Mandy Glenn (Patrick), Angie Bryant, brother-in-law Richard Grayson, 14 nieces & nephews and their children, 5 "bonus daughters" and 14 "bonus grandchildren" and more cousins than you can count. A very special thank you to niece Jessica Grayson Skelton for her guidance and care of Tony during his brief illness. We are forever grateful.

Tony's family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 24, from 6-8 pm at Lord and Stephens West, Watkinsville, GA. There will be a celebration of life - his wonderful life - for family and friends at 11:30am November 4th at Dewy Rose Baptist Church, Elberton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, a college fund has been established in his memory for "his boys," grandsons Sam & Gunnar Grayson. Synovus Bank, Attn: Christy Nix, 2100 Experiment Station Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lordandstephens.com.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Announcement courtesy of Berry Funeral Home.