Edward King “Sonny” Bryant, Jr.

November 4th, 1931 - January 21st, 2022

Edward's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Edward here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

I met Mr. Sonny through his children back at the Chalets on the Lake when I was eleven through twelve . His son, Mike was an excellent spring board diver and most of the. time we would hang out at the pool together. This made us both hungry so Ms. Shirley and Mr. Sonny would often welcome me into their house to some delicious meals. But I think the best was eating home made donuts with the family on Saturday and Sundays. Mr. Sonny was a great father figure. A strong man, instilling respect and showing love toward us kids. He was a hard worker and a great family man. I lived with my mother and sister so he was the father figure I was drawn to. I loved him and respected him. He will be missed by many, including me.

Rev. Tony Antonelli

March 1st, 2022 at 11:31pm

From such a meager & deprived childhood, many people would have expected him to be a menace to society. All contraire! Somehow my Daddy proved the statistics to be wrong! "Reach inside and find that something extra" he used to tell me... apparently that is what he did. Instead of a menace, my Daddy was extremely hard working, brutally honest, forthright, loyal, patriotic, smart, successful and ALWAYS stood up for what he believed in! He taught me many things, just by virtue of being my father & prominent role model in my life. Here are just a few of the very valuable things (some of you may have heard them from his as well)...
-"give a man a good days work for his dollar"
-work hard until the job is done
-be self sufficient
-never be afraid to tell someone to "step to hell" if they deserve it
-always do your very best
-reach inside yourself for that something extra
-have a strong will
-respect your elders and your country
-"It only costs a nickel more to go first class"
-if you're going to do it, do it right or don't do it at all
-understand what honor is and always keep your word
-"You are no better than anyone else, AND no one is any better than you"
-when someone tells you they love you a nickel's worth, it means that they love you with all of their heart.

It's true, I am a lot like my Daddy and I am proud of that. Even when we disagreed, I still respected him for speaking his opinion. You always knew where you stood with him, and I admire that. I not only respected him as my Father, but more importantly, I respected him as a man. He was the first man I ever danced with and the first man I ever loved.
Daddy, I will always love you with all of my heart and I was always proud of you. You were one of the truly finest men I will ever know and YOU will ALWAYS be my hero.
Forever your "Sweets" and Daddy's Girl.

Sonnie Bryant-Bedard

February 17th, 2022 at 10:09pm

Sonnie,Shirley, Mike ,Marcel & family
Still trying to wrap my head around this, because it just doesn't seem possible for me. There are no words for me that will ease your pain. He was such a great and amazing human being. Its difficult to describe as few are anything close to this caliber. Every memory i have is full of love & laughter! I may or may not have been in alittle trouble every now and then. I relinquish all responsibility due to any chicken mishaps regarding SonnieAnne. This family is something you don't see much anymore! I love you all with every breath I have. I will miss you so much Sonny!
What a legend! Xoxo

Sheri Riddle

February 5th, 2022 at 5:41pm

I will always remember the first time I met Mr Bryant. He was very kind to me and we talked about what I did for work. He also then thanked me for taking care of “Sweaty” and his boys. I will always remember him as my extended family as he never treated me any less.
When he smiled, nothing but love came out of those eyes! He will be surely missed. May you rest in Gods hands and know that you were so very loved!

Christine Swietlik

February 5th, 2022 at 4:50pm

Shirley Bryant, Sonnie A Bryant and Mike, my heart hurts for the loss of my dear friend Sonny. My life was blessed knowing him, being his neighbor and friend. Sonny was one of the kindest people I know. I can just imagine my mom welcoming him into Heaven and him saying “well hello Mrs Raines”. She thought the world of him too. I pray God brings you peace in knowing it’s not “good bye” it’s “until we meet again”. RIP dear Sonny❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Hilda Banyon

February 4th, 2022 at 10:53am

Hello Sonny my dear ole friend.
I can’t begin to describe how influential you have been in my life and my career. When I was a young apprentice and we worked together, you showed me the ropes of our trade. You are the best mentor a young man could be fortunate enough to have. You weren’t always patient with me because you told me like it is and I did not always want to hear the truth. You were also a great inspiration in life lessons about God, family and country. You always gave me advice and did not sugarcoat it. You became a father figured to me when I was in my 20s when my father was not around. You were always a great role model and for that I will be forever grateful. I always remember the funny one liners you would say like: what are you-a-doin, that and .20 cents will get you a cup of coffee. You also used to sing ain’t nothing but a hound dog crying all the time. I always told you not to quit your day job haha. You used to call me Michael doodle which I never understood the meaning of that but ironically it later caused me to call my own son doodle boy when he was a baby. Funny how things carryover and you don’t even realize it. So in closing I just wanted to say, thank you E. K. for the wonderful friendship and influence. You will never be forgotten.
Mike Davis

Mike Davis

January 30th, 2022 at 1:47pm

He was a father to me at all sense of the word. Few men like him left in this world, he did not lie, you asked him a question he will answer in a way that someone might not like the answer, it is all about integrity, stand up for what is right and God. This man change my life, with his guidance and actions he made me realized that I could become a better man and will be . His love and dedication for God, his wife, family and Country are higher and greater then most human can produced. Always a treat to be next to him, feelings of strength and comfort was there every time. Will I miss him??? Yes and No. I will miss have him around us, sipping a cup of coffee, sitting on the porch talking and sometimes just having him there(his presence). When I say No, I mean by that, he will always be present, that you believe this or not it doesn’t mater but for me it does. So long Dad “ Mr. King” love you and always, I have so much respect and admiration for you. I will have coffee with you again.

Marcel

January 26th, 2022 at 10:19pm

Hey Sonnie....
I know there is very little one can say to ease the sadness you are suffering but sometimes letting someone know you’re thinking about them helps a little.
I have literally dreaded this day for the past few years knowing your Dad’s health was declining and knowing how much you love him.
I remember three stages of knowing your Dad back in the late 70’s.
The first stage was Intimidation.
The second being Respect.
The Third being Admiration.
He was a man of few words but emanated honesty and integrity.
I was not at all surprised when I read how many lives he had saved.
Sure wouldn’t have heard it from him being the humble man he was. A man of character, he was not one to “blow his own horn.”
To me he was a “bad ass” that never had to prove himself.
He certainly passed that “bad assery” to his daughter. Seen it myself❤️.
From time to time, I’d run into your Mom and Dad at Meijer while on duty and I enjoyed our all too short conversations.
One thing that always ended our conversations was that they both told me to be so very careful out there.
You are so fortunate to have your Mom and Dad through out your life however, they are as well to have you for their Daughter.
I know you have included them both in everything you and Marcel have done together all of these years and you may not know how much they love you for that but they certainly do.
Have no regrets Sonnie, you are a wonderful Daughter that has honored her parents the way God wanted you to.

Jeff Faraone

January 26th, 2022 at 9:02pm

I was lucky enough to grow up as a neighbor to Sonny and Shirley. I’ve never felt so loved and cared for by a couple not my parents. Sonny always waved at everyone that drove, walked, biked past our houses. As a child, I’d take my scooter or bike around the neighborhood under Sonny’s watchful eye and I remember once he even told my dad that I need to look both ways when leaving the driveway! I was embarrassed but remember feeling cared for by Sonny. As I got older, it was a treat to drive back home and see Sonny on the porch, ready to wave and catch up from our driveways. I’m wishing him so much rest and comfort and his family so much love. He was incredible - and will be remembered by so many.

Carolyn Real (Sacha)

January 26th, 2022 at 9:11am

I meet Mr. Bryant back in the year 2001 thru Jessica and Stacey Bryant his granddaughters. I used to change the oil and work on his Cadillac at Dave’s auto garage in Bridgman. He would always pull up a chair and talk to me while I was working on his car.
After that over the years I got to know his whole family and became very close to them all.
I especially became close with his son Mike Bryant and his wife Karen which from the beginning have treated me like family along with everyone else in his family.
It is a great lose he was a great man and I will miss him dearly.
I used to have such great conversations with him down at the boat dock and I am gonna miss that!
To the whole family I am sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed by all!
Rest In Peace till we meet again sonny.

Michael Swietlij

January 25th, 2022 at 8:51pm

From all of us at MDA, we send our condolences on the loss of your husband and father. It was a highlight of our day when Sonny came to the office. The staff practically fought each other to be with him during his visits. He was always kind and was truly interested in what was going on in everybody’s life. Sonny obviously lived a very full, long life. His last few years were more difficult than anybody would have wished for, but he never complained. At least not to us. He was a role model for aging well despite whatever health issues one might face. Megan and I are both so grateful that we were able to come to the house to see him after he thought we had already said good bye at his last office visit. We will fondly remember him. Hugs to you all.

Sven Erickson

January 25th, 2022 at 8:47pm

I met Sonny along with his family on a bus in 1998 at the 95th Anniversary of Harley Davidson. His daughter, Sonnie and I became good friends thru the years. I got to see Sonny a few times thru the years, out at Sturgis, a visit to his home. He always treated me like family. Enjoyed talking Harley trips and riding. Sonny was such a wonderful man, husband, and father. I'm sorry I cannot make it to the Service. Sonnie let mom know I'm thinking of her and the rest of the family. RIP Sonny, love you.

Les Ingram

January 25th, 2022 at 7:01pm

Parents of close friends tend to be an extension of our own parents. This is how it’s been over the years with Sonny and Shirley, or as I always referred to them as Mom and Dad Bryant. Over the past (almost) 50 years memories of Dad B have been sprinkled in my memories. Some of my favorites include our time with Mom & Dad B, Sonnie and Marcel and Karen & Mike with visits to their campers and our trip to Sturgis, SD. His no nonsense personality was always accompanied with a caring heart. We never parted company with out his warning to be good or stay safe. ~ You’ve left me with a grateful hearts for wonderful memories. So glad your days are now filled with joy in the presence of God. So well deserved. Love you. ❤️

Jueli Hamilton

January 25th, 2022 at 5:26pm

I met Mr. Bryant when Sonnie and I were in 6th grade. I remember him being a hard worker. He was always welcoming and friendly through all the 50 + years I’ve known him. He reminded me of James Dean in looks. Marc remembered the first time he met him in the later 60’s he was wearing jeans, white socks and loafers, white T shirt and a leather jacket. Always stylin!😁 He was loved by us all and certainly will be missed.❤️

Shelly Florian

January 25th, 2022 at 3:40pm

Where do I begin? You were loved beyond words, Mr. Bryant. I know of few daughters who cherished their Daddy the way Sonnie cherished you. I know few wives that honored their husband the way Shirley honored you. I know few family friends that were intimidated by the handsome man in the living room, the way I was intimidated by you. You and Shirley were Hollywood handsome together. You complimented each other. And you were an incredible Dad to your two kids. We will all miss knowing you are in the next room, but will be comforted to know you are now an Angel in our midst. RIP Mr. Bryant and know you were dearly and completely loved.

Jackie Huie

January 25th, 2022 at 3:08pm

As a little girl of four in 1967, when I first became a part of the Bryant family, I remember Uncle Sonny as a good and sweet man. As I grew, my love and understanding of who he was grew too. He was a constant and steadfast pillar of strength and honor in our family, never wavering, always making himself and his precious family available to love and be supportive in any way. I knew I could always, always, count on him for support, care and understanding. I will never forget that on June 6, 1982, the day I graduated from Bellefontaine High he and Aunt Shirley graciously put me in their car and took me home with them for a time. That is how he was, always there for me. The memory of his kind heart, quiet demeanor, and giving spirit will always remind me of why he will ALWAYS be my Uncle Sonny. His legacy will live on in those that knew and loved him.

Robin (Titus) Eaton

January 25th, 2022 at 2:43pm

I met sonny back in the early 80s. I had a 120lb doberman. sonny went to pet him and bruno growled at him so he to me not to bRGing him back to his house. I came over one day to pick up sonnie his daughter to go to saugatuck and bruno was with me, man was he mad. almost 40 years later I'm at sonny's house and when I came in I told I didnt bring bruno my dog with him, we had a good laugh at that. that's my fond memory of sonny and i