Funeral services for Mr. Walter Dayton Bryant will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Doctor Jennifer Williams and Reverend Andrew Cox officiating. Interment will follow in Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Deville, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
It is with deep sadness that the children of Walter “Dayton” Bryant, announce his passing on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in his residence with his family gathered around him. “Dayton” was born on July 18, 1946, to the union of Elbert Walter and Clara Lee Newcomb Bryant, Parr/Deville, Louisiana. Dayton’s life was rooted in the simple traditions of rural living, where farming and fishing taught him the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He found joy in the outdoors, spending his days farming, hunting, and fishing. Above all, family was at the heart of his life. He cherished the time spent with loved ones and lived a life defined by hard work, the outdoors, and a deep love for family.
Dayton was also a faithful member of the Pentecostals of Alexandria for many years. His faith was an important part of his life, and he especially enjoyed serving behind the scenes by helping dress and prepare the Roman soldiers for their performances in The Messiah. It was a special way for him to share his time, talents, and love for his church family.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army as an MP and worked at Dresser Industries for over thirty years. After retiring, he spent his time fishing and hunting which were his lifetime enjoyments. He was always found taking his children fishing and spending time teaching them some of his interesting ideas of life. They can definitely share many stories about the adventures they shared with him. They were his greatest pride and joy in life.
He was preceded in death by three children: one son, Joey Bryant and two daughters, Jerrie Bryant and Sherrie Bryant; his second wife, Audrey M. Johnson Bryant; his parents, Elbert and Clara Bryant; and three sisters, Katherine O. Bladel, Dorothy F. Edwards, and Violet Kay Bryant.
Those left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Shona Mitchell (Darren) of Pineville, and Wendy Giroir (Tim) of Ball; one son, Scott Bryant of Deville; the mother of his children, Nettie Ware Bryant of Oakdale; four grandsons, Sebastian Deville (Katelyn), Max Deville, Dalton Mitchell, and Austin Mitchell; one step-granddaughter, Karmine Giroir; one great granddaughter, Lylianna Deville; one brother, Kent Bryant (Phyllis) of Deville; one sister, Mary Joyce Hatch (John) of Batavia, New York; many nieces and nephews; as well as many friends. He will be dearly missed…
A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitation will resume in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Dalton Mitchell, Austin Mitchell, Sebastian Deville, Maximus Deville, Kory Bryant, and Gabriel Wampler. Honorary pallbearer will be Zackary Bryant.
The family would like to thank the Staff of Heart of Hospice, Alexandria, for all the compassion, service, and dedication they provided our Daddy during his stormy journey these past few months.