Wesley James Bryant Jr.

II Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course; I have kept the faith. Wesley James Bryant, Jr. was born on December 27, 1937 at home in Lake City, South Carolina. He was the son of Wesley James Bryant, Sr., and Janie M. Daniels Graham, both proceeded him in death. Fondly known as Wes, he surrendered to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Wes lived with his grandmother Mrs. Lou Daniels and led a full and happy childhood in Lake City, S.C. until the age of 11. He moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1948 to be with his mom and family and attended New York City Public Schools. He graduated in 1955 from one of the top New York City high schools, Brooklyn Tech High School where he received many honors and awards. He excelled in Spanish which he later used to nurture his career. Wesley attended the Fountain Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ under the leadership of Reverend Jehovah Rice where he served as an usher and sang in the Young Adults choir. Immediately after graduation, Wes attended the prestigious NYU University before deciding to enlist in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force he met and married the late Thelma Maria Barazza and they had 7 beautiful children. The family traveled the country from Washington State to Massachusetts with the oldest son Jaime often serving as the road navigator for his dad. During Wesley’s stint in the Air Force, he was promoted quickly and served in increasingly responsible positions including Senior Air Traffic Controller. Based around the world including the Hanoi Airport during the Viet Nam War, and the U.S. Canal Zone Panama from 1961-65, Wes enjoyed meeting and interacting with people from different countries, cultures, and all walks of life. His thirst for new knowledge was instrumental in his successful career. He retired as a Tech Sergeant (TSGT/E-6) in 1976 with 21 years of service to his country. In 1979, Wes married Amelia Barclay and they had two little girls. They settled in a quaint suburban area of Queens Village, New York. Wes was an active and doting father attending field trips, helping with homework and very protective of his two little girls as he affectionately called them his little pumpkins. Wes continued his career and after retiring from the United States Air Force he worked for the New York County Court system as a Spanish interpreter. However, Wes was not finished with his career, and joined the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the largest federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. He worked at major airports including New York’s JFK and Orlando International. His spirit personified civility: he was meant to be in service. He was polite, respectful, tolerate, gracious and above all humble. In short, he was not shy, but indeed confident in whatever task he took on. As his friends would say, “he was very loyal and dedicated to service and loved all those he worked with.” His work ethic was enormous and will be his legacy. In the early 2000’s, Wes relocated to the Sunshine State Florida with his late wife Marlene Datus and stepdaughter Clodine. There they enjoyed family time in the pool on hot sunny days. Wesley leaves to continue his legacy of service to his amazing children: Jaime and Miguel (Massachusetts) Eduardo (Georgia), Eredy and Jorge (Virginia) Luis (Hawaii), Deborah (North Carolina), Erica Jackson and Michele Bryant (Georgia). Sisters, Sidney Theresa Ryals (Bishop John Henry) of Florence, S.C., Donna Maxwell, Charleston, S.C., Acquanetta Jones, Lake City, S.C., and brother Joseph Graham (Monika) of the Dominican Republic. Stepdaughters Tamara Surpris and Clodine Datus, (Florida) and a host of grandchildren and great grandkids, relatives and friends. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory - Lawrenceville; 770.338.5558

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Wesley James Bryant Jr.

December 27, 1937 - November 19, 2020