Mr. William Earl "Merle" Bryant, 70, of Kipling passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022. He was born in Harnett County, the son of the late James Ray and Josephine Strickland Bryant. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Victor Bryant

William graduated from LaFayette High School in Kipling NC. He became an expert carpenter and worked both independently and with other contractors for most of his life. William was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, and gardening. William enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and enjoyed his church family at Kipling United Methodist Church. He used his skills to represent the church on several mission trips for hurricane restoration. William took great pride in the Kipling UMC BBQ fundraiser and his family secret sauce. The sauce has been used for church BBQ fundraisers for many years. He loved to talk and never met a stranger.

Merle is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sally Bryant of the home; son, Todd Bryant and wife Tanya of Fuquay-Varina; daughter, Hope Lynch of Angier; 6 grandchildren, Christopher Bryant, Amilie Bryant, Carter Bryant, Asher Bryant, Kaleb Lynch, Faith Lynch; brothers, Ray Bryant and wife Billie of Fuquay-Varina, Robert Bryant and Rey of Durham; sister, Donna Alexander and husband Joe of Fuquay-Varina, Connie Aull of Fuquay-Varina; sister-in-law, Lora Bryant of Fuquay-Varina; aunt, Helen Baker of Fuquay-Varina; previous wife Cathy Stevens Bryant of Angier; many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Olive Branch Cemetery in Fuquay-Varina. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kipling United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 88, Kipling, NC 27543.