Eldridge Bryant

Eldridge Bryant, age 87, of Morristown, passed away early Thursday morning, May 19, 2022 at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System with his family by his side. Eldridge was born on November 18, 1934 in Newport, Tennessee to C.H. and Clora Bryant. He was a 1954 graduate of Cocke County High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in economics in 1958 from Carson-Newman College, his Master’s degree from East Tennessee State University in 1974, and later earned his forty-five Hours Above (EDS). While attending Carson-Newman College, Eldridge met his future wife, Ellie L. West and they were married in 1956. He began his life-long profession in education in 1958 working as a teacher at Whitesburg Elementary School (1958-59), Alpha Elementary (1959-1960), principle at Union Heights Elementary (1960-63), principle at Manley Elementary Scholl (1963-73), principle of Dandridge Elementary School (1973-2000), and finished his career as interim headmaster at All Saints Episcopal School (2002-2003). Eldridge and Ellie spent thirteen summers in Greeneville, Tennessee as he managed Clyde Austin 4-H Camp. His public service was not limited to education as he proudly represented Hamblen County’s 14th District as a County Commissioner for fourteen years. He was a faithful member of Manley Baptist Church for fifty-nine years serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. Elementary principle, 4-H camp manager, and County Commissioner were Eldridge’s many job titles that allowed him to positively influence all that had the pleasure of knowing him, but his favorite title for the last thirty-one years has been Grand Dad. Eldridge was preceded in death b his parents, C.H. and Clora Bryant; brother, Jerry Bryant; and sister, Leatha Bryant. Left to cherish his lasting memory are his children, Kendall and wife Rhonda Bryant of Morristown, Kerri Womack of Murfreesboro, and Bryan Bryant of Morristown; grandchildren, Aaron (Brittney) Moore, Austin Bryant, Preston Bryant, Madison Bryant, Kirstin Womack, and Keaton Bryant; great-grandchildren, Desi Bryant and Paxton Moore; brother, Leon (Nancy) Bryant; sister-in-law, Bernice “Deedie” West; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. The family would like to thank special caregivers, Sandy Hurley and Jessica Gravitt for their dedicated assistance with Eldridge. The family will receive friends from 3 – 5 p.m. Sunday, May 22nd at Manley Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 5 p.m. at the church with Pastor Tony Buchanan and Associate Pastor Alan Duncan officiating. Family and friends will meet at 11 a.m. Monday, May 23rd at Jefferson Memorial Gardens for graveside services. In lieu of flowers, the family request donating in Eldridge’s memory to Manley Baptist Missions, St. Jude Hospital, or the Gideons International.  Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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