died June 9, 2015 at his home in Superior following a lengthy illness. He was born on May 4, 1923 in Pleasant Ridge, Kentucky. He was 92 years old at the time of his death.
He worked his family’s farms until he was 21 years old, moving to Superior in 1945 for health reasons. Guy owned the Neighborhood Market on the corner of Hill and Stone for a period of time, was the Rainbow Bread Salesman several years, then bought the Union 76 Service Station. He retired from Union Oil 30 years later in 1988, and then went to work for the owner of the new Express Stop until he was 88 years old.
Guy was very active at the local, county, and state level. He was elected to the Superior School Board for over 20 years, serving as it president several years, and he was president of the Pinal County Board of Education several years. Guy also served at the county and state level on the Housing and Urban Development Program (HUD), helping institute low income housing projects at the county and state level, was appointed to serve on an advisory committee to the Arizona School Board Association, and served on the Pinal County Highway Advisory Board. During the 60’s and 70’s he was the July 4th Parade Director, attracting entries from all over Arizona and from several western states. He also helped raise money for the July 4th Fireworks and helped make sure it went off to everyone’s delight. Guy was an active member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Miami Elks Lodge, Superior Sportsmen’s Club, and the Saddle Club.
Guy was an avid hunter, fisherman, and water skier. He and two other friends developed methods and tackle for deep sea fishing in Mexico which resulted in many successful fishing trips and numerous, perhaps exaggerated, fish stories for all to tell. He loved introducing young people to the work field and to the sports of hunting, fishing, and water skiing.
Guy traveled about the USA, rode camels in Morocco, walked sunlit streets in Spain, made countless trips to Mexico, and hunted and fished to his heart’s content. His tombstone reads, “Been there, done that.” He loved people and enjoyed family functions and social gatherings. Guy was a good storyteller and was happiest when others were having a good time. He was notoriously afraid of lightening which was the source of many stories. He lived a long and full life. He treasured family and friends.
Guy is survived by his son, Guy W. Bryant Jr. of Superior; his daughter, Leslie Bryant of Queen Valley; and a sister, Midge Cole of Sonoita, Arizona. He also has seven stepchildren, Bart, Kathy, Michele, Carrie, Wayne, Delores, and Victoria. He has a slew of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, all of whom he was very proud. He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Christine Bryant; his brother, Paul Bryant; and a sister, Jean Crutchfield.
A memorial service for Guy is planned on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 1 p.m. at the Superior High School Gym, followed by lunch for family and friends at the home of Guy Bryant Jr. at 216 Smith Dr. in Superior.