Commander Leon Cullen Bryant

1940 ∼ 2020

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Commander Leon Cullen Bryant, 80 of Port Neches, Texas passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Serenity Assisted Care Living in Beaumont, Texas.

Leon was born June 19, 1940 in Dallas, Texas to Joseph Cullen Bryant and LaVerna Mullen Bryant. He was a resident of Port Neches for 37 years, and was a member of Gateway Baptist Church in Port Arthur.

Commander Bryant retired from the U. S. Navy after 20 years of service, and also retired as Principal of Hamshire Fannett High School.

During his 20 years in the Navy he completed 847 aircraft carrier landings and 234 combat flights with 497 combat hours. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Flying Safety Award, Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous Air Medals.

Leon earned a BBA and Masters in Education from Lamar University, where he set records in hurdles as an undergraduate.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Carol Smith Bryant of Port Neches; three sons, Kevin Cullen Bryant and wife Brandy of Fate, Kent Leon Bryant of Port Neches, and Kyle Frederick Bryant and wife Alicia of Orange; sister, Mary Ferne Estes of Oklahoma City, OK; grandchildren, Nathan Bryant, Riley Bryant, Lindsey Bryant, and Maggie Bryant.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, August 21, 2020 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Levingston Funeral Home in Groves, Texas.

A Military Graveside service will be at 2:15 p.m., Monday, August 24, 2020 at the Houston National Cemetery with his brother-in-law, Michael Spell officiating.

Condolences

Anonymous April 27, 2021

CDR Bryant was my JROTC instructor at Central High School for three years (1986 to 1989). He was a great influence to solidify my decision to enlist in the Air Force and then retire as a MSgt (E7). He was always willing to lend a hand and either meet me before school or stay late after school and help with any school work I was having problems with. I always received good advice from him. He will be truly missed! Bryan Nelson, USAF, MSgt (Ret).

Anonymous August 26, 2020

Carol and Family, we are so saddened to hear of Leon's passing. Please know there is a huge hole in our hearts and we are praying for God's comfort and love to help you through this time. He will be missed by our entire family. Much love to you all.

Anonymous August 22, 2020

To Mrs. Bryant and Family: My prayers and sympathy are with you. I got to know Mr. Bryant when he went to work at HFHS and it was a pleasure to work with him. He taught me some valuable "tricks" to scheduling hundreds of students at a time and make my years at HFHS more pleasant. One thing I vividly remember was his constant use of acronyms. The problem was that HE knew what they were but the rest of us had to guess! We would sometimes laugh about this. He was constantly making notes on his mail and passing it on to me to read and then report to him what it was about. He might have written something like, "RTARTMIII", and then laugh at me when I'd say, "I give up. What does this mean?" He'd say, "Read This And Report To Me If It's Important." I'd laugh and say "Sure. I should have known that." He was good to work for and I enjoyed getting to know him, and thankful for the experience. May God bless his family and receive him favorably.

America The Beautiful August 21, 2020

From VA-163 Saints. God Bless you and your family. We have your watch. Rest in Peace

America The Beautiful August 21, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous August 21, 2020

Carol and Family Leon was my mentor when I went to work at Marshall Middle School in the mid 1990s. He taught me so much. I thought of him many times over the years. May he Rest In Peace. Prayers for you and his family. Jeanne Murphree

Anonymous August 19, 2020

Dear Carol and family, I first knew Mr. Bryant when he became the assistant principal at Marshall Middle School in Beaumont where I taught. He was a fair, even-tempered leader whom we all respected. He commanded respect from both students and teachers. Yet there were many relaxed and funny times as well. He often got the last "word" with that special smirky smile of his. And, low and behold, when I went to First Baptist Church in Port Arthur to substitute as organist, there was Mr. Bryant at the PA controls serving the people of his church in such a selfless way. It was always good to see him there as well. He was a fine Christian man serving our Lord in every aspect of his life. I am so sorry that you have lost him much to soon, but our Christian faith teaches us that you will be together again for all eternity. Take great comfort in that. I, and so many others, will remember Mr. Bryant with fondness and smiles for the special Christian man that he was.

Anonymous August 18, 2020

Carol and family, you've lost a great guy. I pray that your many recollections of great times and places will stay in the forefront of your minds. May God bless and guide you during this time of sadness and mourning.

Anonymous August 18, 2020

Leon was a fine Christian man. I enjoyed being around Leon and Carol. I appreciated his kindness and keen sense of humor. I know Carol and family will greatly miss him.

Anonymous August 18, 2020

Leon was a true "One of a Kind". He was funny, smart and always there to help. He and I spent many a long night getting ready for a First Baptist Living Christmas Tree. Not sure how we got through those practices and performances but we always made it work and actually had a great time together. I will miss Leon and I know he is in Heaven hooking up a microphone for the angelic choir.

Anonymous August 18, 2020

Fair winds and following seas shipmate, we have the watch.

Anonymous August 18, 2020

Carol & family, Gwen and I are so very sorry for your loss. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet and enjoy a friendship with Leon these past several years while attending our BSF classes. I have never met a finer, more humble man who obviously loved his Lord and family greatly. I especially enjoyed hearing stories of his aircraft carrier landing days ( when I could get hin to talk about such accomplishments) ! I admired his servant heart and considered it a major blessing to be his friend. Our prayer is the Lord will surround you and your family with His love and peace in the days ahead. Blessings, Terry & Gwen Rozelle

Anonymous August 17, 2020

An outstanding officer and gentleman and a wonderful friend

Anonymous August 17, 2020

Leon Bryant was the epitome of smooth, unflappable, and professional. A true gentleman and a loyal friend and an outstanding aviator. A leader among leaders, in every turn of life. The world is a better place because Leon Bryant was part of it. Fair winds, clear skies, and a following wind. Our shipmate, Leon Bryant, gone west, far too soon.