Rev. Leonard Bryant

On March 12, 1935, Linton (Leonard) Bryant entered this world with a quiet strength through the bodily vessel of the late Charlie “Clus” and Amanda “Mandy” Pearl Bryant. As the youngest of their second set of twins, he was affectionately called “Lil Bae”. Growing up in a home filled with love, music, and deep-rooted faith, he quickly fit right in. He joined the choir, served faithfully on the usher board, and found purpose in every role he took on. It was during these formative years that he accepted Christ into his life under the leadership of Rev Garrett at Green Chapel Missionary Baptist Church — a decision that shaped his character and planted the seeds of the calling he would one day fulfill. Leonard joined the military at the age of 22, where he carried the same discipline, seriousness, and sense of responsibility that had defined him since boyhood. But he quickly returned home to marry the love of his life, Mary Helen Dumas, on October 6, 1957. A connection that started in church, at the age of fifteen, grew steadily into a lifelong partnership where they raised four beautiful girls. To support his growing family, Leonard started work at Pepperell Mill and stood on principle that led to a boycott of fair wages and work conditions. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in or walk alone. He later joined Uniroyal Tire Plant where he loyally worked for nearly 30 years until he retired. Even as he worked diligently, he never let go of his passions. His family pass-time evolved into the official formation of the Twin Spirituals as they began to travel across the southeast. In the group made up of his identical twin Clinton Bryant, Charlie B. Bryant, Rollie “Dandy” Bryant, Rosie Lee Baker, Frank Burton, and Rev Willie Baker he was the leader and manager of the group. They went on to cut three 45s and one album, connecting their audiences with their harmonious voices and love of Christ. Despite his involvement with the group, he still maintained his commitment to his home church by serving as Green Chapel’s Clerk/Secretary, Deacon, Groundkeeper, and Senior Sunday School Teacher for nearly 15 years. Leonard’s traveling with the group began to take a back seat in 1975 when he accepted the call into the ministry. On December 14, 1975, he received his certificate of ordination and started preaching at Elizabeth MBC in Ft Davis, AL and Pleasant Valley in Camp Hill, AL. He went on to preach at Mt Traveler MBC in Waverly, AL where he served for 21 years. At Mt Traveler he always preached the importance of Christian Education. He led the local level at Ebenezer District as Vice Moderator and Dean and at the state level as Sunbeam Supervisor. While he did not serve at the national level, he hauled bus loads every year to the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. For nearly 35 years, he traveled across the country to California, Virginia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maryland, Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, etc. to name just a few. Leonard attended Selma University, a Baptist school, also where the Women’s State Convention was located each year. He became a liaison for the University and even hosted exchange students from Nigeria Africa in his home. His value of education wasn’t limited to only Christian Education; he also knew secular education could take you far. And his commitment to both wasn't just spoken, it was lived. He enjoyed reading and often read the dictionary, synonym books, and the encyclopedia. Leonard also encouraged young people to do well in school by rewarding students in the community with money for grades earned; $5 for every A and $4 for every B. It wasn’t about the money; it was about encouragement and showing young people that their hard work mattered. Many children grew up remembering how he celebrated their achievements, how he pushed them to do their best both inside and outside of the walls of the church. Throughout his adult life, Leonard devoted himself not only to his family and work, but also to the community he loved. Long before retirement, he poured his time and energy into roles that uplifted and supported those around him. He served as a Boy Scout troop leader of Troop #340, guiding young boys with the same seriousness, discipline, and steady encouragement that had shaped his own youth. He fostered a deep passion for gospel music. With the determination to share that passion with the world daily, not just on Sunday, he founded, produced, advertised and hosted the 1 st weekday gospel radio show, The People Gospel Hour, broadcasting songs of faith and messages of hope with listeners near and far. In his professional life, he took on leadership roles as a union representative, advocating for fairness and respect in the workplace, a board member of Department of Human Resources, and later as a recruiter for Royal Federal Credit Union, later known as Four Seasons FCU at its inception helping individuals and families take steps toward financial stability. Leonard officially retired in 1993, but retirement did not slow him down; it simply gave him more time to do what he loved most. He remained deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren, attending their events and offering the same wisdom and encouragement he had given his daughters. His generosity reached far beyond his family. Leonard often repaired furniture from the side of the road, restoring pieces that others had discarded and giving them freely to those in need. He also volunteered at the hospital, offering comfort and companionship to families, worked as Lee County voter registration, and later became a familiar, welcoming face as a Walmart door greeter. No matter where he was, he carried himself with humility and kindness. On March 31, 2026, after a life lived with generosity and unwavering faith, Leonard Bryant transitioned from this earthly home to be with the Lord at the age of 91. Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit, his teachings, and the love he poured into others will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched as his life was a testament to faith, dignity, and service. “Let the works I’ve done speak for me” – Leonard Bryant He is preceded in death by his granddaughter: Erica (Donald) Cotton, son-in-law Andrew C Payne and 14 siblings: Mattie Lue Bryant; Moses (Hattie) Bryant; Charlie (Iola) Bryant; Aaron Bryant; Annie Mae (Jodie) Bryant-Minard; Lester (Luella) Bryant; Rosie Lee (Rev Wille) Baker; Chester (Stella) Bryant; Clinton (Alice) Bryant; Rollie (Lottie Pearl) Bryant; Oscar Lee Bryant; Gertrude (Amos) Nunn; Phillip (Carrie Pearl) Bryant, Taylor (Essie Rene) Bryant. He leaves treasured memories to be shared by his loving wife and caregiver of 68 yrs, Mary Helen; four daughters Lindie Payne of Opelika, AL, Carnella “Vonnie” McGhee of Opelika, AL, Dale (Darnell) Williams of Hoover, AL, Janyce Bryant of Opelika, AL; six grandchildren, Martavise (Stacey) McGhee of Mobile, AL, Amber McGhee of Atlanta, GA, Amanda Payne of Atlanta, GA, Meagan Bryant of Los Angeles, CA, Morgan Bryant of New York, NY, and Parker Williams of Hoover, AL, six great grandchildren, two great- great grandchildren, sister-in-law Essie Bryant of Gary, IN and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rev. Leonard Bryant

March 12, 1935 - March 31, 2026

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Rev. Leonard Bryant

March 12, 1935 - March 31, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information