Rev. Joe T. Bryant

Rev. Joe T. “J.T.” Bryant, 78, of LaSalle, MI, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. Born December 03, 1946 in LaFollette, TN, Joe was the son of the late Louis “Red” and Velma (Dobson) Bryant. Joe was saved at the Grantsboro Baptist Church and baptized at Carr’s Creek in LaFollette. He was a 1965 graduate of LaFollette High School, where he was a member of the FFA. After graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Opal J. Wyrick, on December 17, 1965 in LaFollette. Joe and Opal were blessed to have extensively traveled to Egypt, Greece, and the Holy Land, where they were baptized in the Jordan River in 1994 and 1998. They enjoyed bluegrass cruises and festivals, never missing the bluegrass festival in Milan, MI. He loved to sing and listen to bluegrass gospel music. His love of singing began at age 2 while jumping up and down on his bed singing “Shotgun Boogie” by Tennessee Ernie Ford and has been singing ever since. Growing up he would work the ground with his mule and plow getting the garden ready. After getting a tractor, he could be heard singing over the sounds of it while driving and working. When he stopped singing, his mom knew he was having trouble. He was a hard-working man who “burned the candle at both ends” dedicating his life to his family and his church. To support his family, he worked at the Tecumseh Products Company, Acklin Stamping Division in Toledo, OH, where he received his Machine Repair Journeyman’s Card on May 20, 1976. After 8 years of employment, he went to work at General Motors in Toledo, where he retired in 2006 after 30 years. He was the owner of Bryant Asphalt Paving, Inc., in LaSalle, MI for 34 years and Snyder Snow Service in Toledo, OH for 17 years, retiring in 2022. On July 03, 1965, he was ordained Deacon at the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in LaFollette. He was later ordained as a Minister on December 30, 1978 at the Union Street Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, MI. He served his Lord and Savior as a pastor of the Union Street Missionary Baptist Church for 38 1/2 years. Over the years, he served as the Southeastern Baptist Association Moderator from 1988-1991. He was a 53-year member of the Barton Smith Lodge No. 613, Free & Accepted Masons in Toledo, and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite-Port Lawrence Chapter #161 in Toledo. He proudly served his community by being a volunteer member of the LaFollette Rescue Squad in LaFollette. Joe is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Opal; three children: Terry Bryant of Luna Pier, MI; Angela “Angie” (Kenneth) Kruzel of Luna Pier, MI; and Gregory Bryant of LaSalle, MI; three granddaughters: Kendra Kruzel, Kristen Kruzel and Madison Bryant; and sisters: Jewel, Ruth and Ruby. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a brother, Arvil Ray; and a sister, Anna Lois. Family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025 at Bacarella Funeral Home. Joe will lie in state Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Union Street Missionary Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Rev. Eddie Howard and Rev. Stevie Longsworth will officiate followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Union Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1004 Union St., Monroe, Michigan 48161. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Rev. Joe T. Bryant

December 3, 1946 - May 23, 2025