Reuben Thom.as Bryant, Jr. Sunrise January 28, 1971 Saturday, August 10, 2013 n:oo am Ben Hill United Methodist Church 2099 Fairburn Road SW Atlanta, GA 30331 Rev. Byron E. Thomas, Senior Pastor Sunset August 4, 2013 (()6~ ~ ~ @lf~, fi. January 28, 1971- August 4, 2013 Reuben Thomas Bryant, Jr. was born Thursday, January 28, 1971 and transitioned to be with God on Sunday, August 4, 2013. He lived a life filled with laughter, love, and adventure as a loyal father, brother, son, nephew, cousin, and friend. Reuben, affectionately known to his family as "Nareu," possessed an amazing sense of humor and charisma that immediately drew people to him. He met no strangers and brought fun and laughter to everyone he encountered. Reuben was the second child of Reuben, Sr. and Linda Bryant of Atlanta, Georgia. While in elementary school, Reuben urged his family to join Bethel United Methodist Church where he remained a member until his passing. He graduated from Westlake High School in Atlanta in 1989 and immediately left for Albany State University. In 1995, Reuben entered the military where he served in the 82nd Airborne Division. During his years of service, he was awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star. Reuben was honorably discharged from active duty in 2006. While in the Army, Reuben developed a love for computer networks, emerging technologies, and communications. His passion for technology propelled him to seek a career as an Information Technology (IT) Specialist and complete a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Leo University in Computer Information Systems in 2011 . Reuben's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends and he was always the light in the room. He was also a competitive athlete who loved all sports, especially football and baseball. Reuben played in several sports leagues as an adult, including the Ft. McPherson baseball league and Washington Park "Scared Hitless" tennis team. He was a devoted Atlanta Falcons fan, biker, and avid tailgater. At home with family he was the "Mike Lowery" host of family game night and even dressed the part. He took great joy in helping others-whether fixing a computer, moving a residence, cutting the grass, tinkering with appliances, or just making you smile; he wanted to be there in the moment. He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy: one daughter Daisha Lyne; three sons Reuben Thomas, III, Alex Nelson, and Ryan David; a loving mother, Linda (Gus Harrington); devoted sisters Lisa and Leah (Stephen); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends too numerous to name. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who have shared in the loss of our loved one. We thank God for such giving, warm, and comforting friends and family. Your prayers, visits, messages, flowers, food, consoling words, phone calls, and even the smallest acts of kindness have all been sources of strength and comfort during this time. A special thanks to the Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.- East Point/College Park Chapter, Bethel United Methodist Church, and Ben Hill United Methodist Church. Cousins, Family, and Friends The Reverend Byron E. Thomas Senior Pastor of Ben Hill United Methodist Church Prelude Processional.......................................................................................................................... Sweet, Sweet Spirit Hymn of Celebration .................................................................................... How Great Thou Art, UMH #77 Scripture Old Testament................................. ............ Lamentations 3:19~z4 .............................. Father Vincent Harris New Testament: .............................................. ! Corinthians 13 ............................ Pastor Christopher Powell Destiny International Church, Pelham, AL Prayer of Comfort ................................................................................................... Reverend Alonzo Burney Mt. Bethel Baptist Church, Trafford, PA Celebration In Song .................................................................................................... It Is Well With My Soul Soloist, Mrs. Tarneshala Simmons Reflections Family Members ............................................................................. Mrs. Diane Willis and Miss lnga Willis Friend ............................................ ........................................................................... Mr. Arlen "Griff'' Griffin Friend ............................................................................................................................... Mr. Quinten Jackson Children ..................................................... Mr. Reuben Thomas Bryant, III and Miss Daisha Lyne Bryant Celebration in Song ................................................................................................................ Center of My Joy Soloist, Mrs. Tarneshala Simmons Words of Comfort ............................................................................................. Rev. Dr. Alton B. Pollard III Dean, Howard University School of Divinity, Washington, D.C. Acknowledgments .............................................................................................. Rev. Dr. Michael D. Stinson Senior Pastor, Bethel United Methodist Church Recessional .................................................................................................................................... I'll Fly Away Entombment Forest Lawn Cemetery 5755 -~allory Road, College Park, GA 30349 Repast Ben Hill United Methodist Church Gus Thornhill Funeral Home, 1315 Gus Thornhill, Jr. Drive, East Point, GA 30344 (404) 768-:z993