Robert "Cruse" Bryant

Rock Island, TN resident and Van Buren County, TN native Robert "Cruse" Bryant, age 90, was born October 5, 1924 and died September 12, 2015 at his residence following an extended illness. He was a United States Army Combat Engineer during WWII, seeing action in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy and several other battles including the Battle of the Bulge. He was also a lifelong member and supporter of the VFW Post 5064. He was a member of Pipefitters Local 572 and worked for AEDC and TVA until retirement. A lifelong cattle farmer, he owned and operated Great Falls Farms in Rock Island. He was the son of the late Emmitt and Lou Ella Stroud Bryant of the Bone Cave Community of Van Buren County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond, Arliss, Creed and John Bryant; and two sisters, Cecil Hillis and Rita Bryant. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce Bain Bryant of Rock Island, TN; son, Dan T. Bryant and wife Betsey of McMinnville; grandson, Travis "Tray" Bryant of Rock Island, TN; granddaughter, Brittany Bryant of Nashville, TN; two sisters, Grace Cannon of McMinnville and Rose Laws of Sarasota, FL; and caregiver, D.J. Kester of the Midway Community. A graveside service and interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2015 in Mt. View Cemetery with Steve Breedlove officiating. Military grave rites will be administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. There will be no visitation at High's. Family and friends are to meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dementia Research or the Magness Library and Community House of McMinnville.