Eddie Bryant - 1963
(February 10, 1945 - December 5, 2009)
Thanks, Ed Bryant's Vision Gave Us Our Voice, National Federation of the Blind
Some of Ed Bryant's accomplishments by our friend Gary Wunder








































Published Monday, December 7, 2009

Edwin Charles Bryant, 64, of Columbia passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Boone Hospital Center.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Memorial Funeral Home with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

He was born on Feb. 10, 1945, in Columbia, the son of Wilbur E. and Gertrude Eldridge Bryant. He was united in marriage to Gail Jones on April 25, 1981, and she survives.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his daughter, Vickie Rae Traylor and her husband, Steven, of Parkville; siblings James D. Bryant and Debbie A. Dupree and her husband, Steve, all of Columbia; aunt Alma Ausburn; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur E. Bryant; and nephew Bryan D. Dupree.

Ed was deeply involved with many organizations, including the National Federation of the Blind, which he joined in 1979. He was editor of the Voice of the Diabetic for 21 years. This publication reached more than 300,000 subscribers in 17 countries. He was very active in the organization and took part in several fundraisers until his death. He worked alongside the late Dr. Ron James with Camp Hickory Hill for diabetic children. Ed was named volunteer of the year in Columbia in 1989.

Ed was an advocate for the blind and spent several years fighting for their independence. This included trips to Washington to testify before Congress in order to send their message. He will be remembered as a champion for the underdog. Ed was also involved with the Diabetes Action Network and held major leadership roles within the organization until his death. Ed was a devoted Tiger fan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Action Network or Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind.

Tributes can be left online at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.

 

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