Leon Bryant,III

Our beloved father and husband, Leon Bryant, III, was born on March 6, 1967. He passed away at Memorial University Hospital in Savannah, Georgia on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 3:00 a.m. 

He grew up in Ruffin, South Carolina, and spent much of his young adulthood in Hampton, South Carolina. He credited both places for instilling family values in him and where he found his passion for basketball. He found joy in sharing his love of the game with others. Leon and Sonya first met and bonded over their mutual appreciation for sports and continued to share this common interest throughout their marriage. His infectious smile, charm, and mannerisms could warm an entire arena. Everyone felt his light when he was around. He was a proud dad whose love for his children could not be measured; as his daughters held a special place in his heart even into their adulthood. Like his family, his friends also felt his love and devotion. Most would say that he never met a stranger. Keeping things light-hearted, he enjoyed telling jokes or just bringing laughter into someone’s day.

Leon’s educational journey began at Bells Elementary School and Smoaks Middle School where he formed lifelong bonds with the Community. He returned to Hampton, South Carolina, and graduated from Wade Hampton High School in 1985, a pivotal milestone in his life. His achievements were further recognized when he was inducted into their Basketball Hall of Fame, a testament to his athletic prowess.

Leon’s academic and athletic journey led him to The Citadel Military College of South Carolina, where he earned a full scholarship. In 1989, he proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. His time at The Citadel was marked by prestigious accolades, a wealth of respect, and a lifelong bond with his Citadel brothers.

Leon's professional life was a testament to his dedication and success. He devoted his entire career to the automotive retail industry, starting as a Sales Consultant and steadily climbing the ladder. His hard work and commitment paid off when he was appointed General Manager for Chatham Parkway Subaru in Savannah, Georgia. Leon’s professional accomplishments were all accumulated under one owner for 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents- Leon “Pete” Bryant, Jr. and Isabella Smith-Bryant; his maternal grandparents- Wille Joe Smith and Lenora Smith; his paternal grandparents- Leon Bryant Sr. and Pattie Mae Bryant; and his dear aunt- Lynette B. Fryar. 

Cherishing Leon’s memories, he is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Sonya Mears-Bryant, and his beautiful daughters- Noel Bryant and Nadia Bryant and unborn granddaughter- Nyomi Rose Bryant-Thompson of Rincon, Georgia; sister- Felicia DeAndrea Houston (Marc); nephew- M.J. Houston (The Prince); and nieces- Cameron Bryant-Saxon (Cammie Cam) and Kayla Houston of Charlotte, North Carolina. Sharing in the precious memories are his brother-in-law- Novallis D. Mears of Islandton, South Carolina; nephew- Demetrius Mears, godsons- Bernard and Deonte Jenkins, Hezekiah (Billy Bob), Jeremiah and Nehemiah Abram, Jaylen, Braylen and Michael Wells, II and goddaughters- Taja Wells and Keyeria Sanders, great-grand goddaughter- Madisyn Elizabeth Sanders (the “Dirt Princess”), three very special friends (Michael Wells, Pastor Gerald Jenkins, Erica Abram) and a host of special loving cousins, aunts, uncles, countless friends, co-workers; and his six fur babies - Dakota, Azul, Kilo, Isis, Siren, and Storm. 

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