Obituary for Lieutenant Colonel Loran G. Bryant

LTC (R) LORAN GLYNN BRYANT, U.S. ARMY, age 81, of Eastman, GA, left this earth peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at his residence.

 A service with full military honors will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, June 22, at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, GA. The nearby location for visitation with the family will be announced at the service.

 Colonel Bryant was born in Chester, Georgia on April 6, 1945. He was of the Christian Faith, a 1963 graduate of Dodge County High School, where he was a star athlete, and earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in 1977. He joined the United States Army in March of 1967 and received his wings on April 8, 1968. He flew two tours in Vietnam, supporting and providing attack helicopters to Special Forces and Marines in KHE-Shan, DIDO, Conphien, DONGHA and Kiang Tree with the 101st Airborne Division. His second tour was spent flying out of the delta along the Cambodian border. His career took him and his family all over the world, including tours in the United States, Europe and South America. Colonel Bryant was qualified on all models of Huey, UH1, A-M models, and all models of Cobras. Up to 10 of the very first Marine pilots of the AH1-G Cobra were students of his. Some of the schools and training he attended were the Army Basic Flight School, Infantry Officer Basic Course, Advance Jungle School in the Philippines - along with Navy Seals, AH1G Cobra Transition School, Aviation Combat Development of the Hellfire Missile and AH64 Apache Attack Helicopters, Command/General Staff College, Nuclear Weapons Control Officer’s Training, and the Cobra Standardization Pilot Instructor Course, becoming Chief of Standardization for Cobras and administering all Instructor Pilot Check Rides. Colonel Bryant flew with the 188th Assault Helicopter Company, DCo 101 (Material Weapons) Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Cobra Nett Team and CTrp 3 Sandbar 17th Calvary. He was an Infantry Officer, Cav Officer, and an Aviation Officer. Among the numerous awards and medals he received are a Battlefield Commission from Warrant Officer to 1st Lieutenant, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star and thirty-one Air Medals. Colonel Bryant retired in November of 1988, after twenty-one years of service. Colonel Bryant continued his commitment to those who served by spending 13 years with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, helping fellow veterans access the benefits, support and recognition they earned.

 Colonel Bryant was a dedicated husband of 56 years and was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, beloved uncle and friend. An avid fisherman, he spent many years competing in fishing tournaments with the Bassmasters organization. More importantly, he shared his passion for fishing with his daughters and grandchildren, creating treasured memories and passing along a lifelong appreciation for time spent on the water. After retirement, Colonel Bryant turned his attention to hunting and sporting clays, spending many hours in the woods, at Gator Creek and competing in tournaments throughout the southeast. Beyond his own accomplishments, he was passionate about providing mentorship and encouraging young people in the sport. He also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in his yard and spending time with his grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Miriam Futral Bryant, son, Loran “Glynn” Bryant, Jr., mother and father, Ruthie Mae and Irvin Joe Bryant, brother, Harold Bryant, and nephew, Justin Sims.

 He is survived by his Daughters – Leanne Bryant, Jennifer Bryant Jarrell (Kenneth) both of Rome, and Kelly Bryant (Brad Bowen) of Eastman; Grandchildren – Grant D. Little, USMC (Vet.) (Veronika), Ryan Little (Katelyn), SSG Daniel Smith, U.S. Army (Riley), Katie Durrence, Chip Burch, Bryant Burch, and Avery Brewer; Great-Grandchildren – Erina Little, Loran Little, and Hank Smith; Sisters – Brenda Sims (Phillip) and Linda Bryant; Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law – Dan Futral and Nancy F. Atkins (David); Nieces and Nephews – Katlyn Sanders (Justin), Krista Nicholls (Anthony), Lauren Atkins, and Haley Blackwell (Jamie); Great-Nieces and Nephews – Riley Sanders, Elise Sanders, Knox Nicholls, Allie Fair Nicholls, Colt Blackwell, Luke Blackwell and many cousins and cherished friends.

 In Colonel Bryant’s memory, the family has requested donations be made to the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot’s Association, www.VHPA.org, or a veterans charity of the donor’s choice.