February 11, 2026, 99, Goldsboro – Walter M. Bryant, 99, of Goldsboro passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A private service will be held for the family.
Born 18 MAY 1926 in Saint Francis Hospital, Hartford Connecticut, he grew up extremely poor during the Great Depression of 1929 to 1939.
In May 1944 Walt joined the US Navy where he served as a gunners mate on a landing craft medium in the South Pacific and was honorable discharged in July 1946 as a seaman first class. Using the GI Bill he attended Teachers College of Connecticut.
Returning to the military during the Korean War (1950–1953) he served with the U.S. Army Medical Service (AMEDS). Walt remained in the Army after the Korean War serving with medical units in The United States and Germany to include the 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt and the 98th General Hospital in Neubrücke. While at Neubrucke he change his carrier path to club management. Other than a one year tour of duty in South Korea on the DMZ (Camp Howze), Walt remained in club management until his retirement in 1974.
Walt worked for the state of California for many years before retiring a second time. He and his wife Joan then moved to North Carolina. Walt loved athletics playing football, running cross country, basketball, boxing, Judo while in school and the military. In later years bowling became his passion. He bowled on several teams in the local area. Scoring a perfect game of 300 was one of the highlights of his bowling legacy.
He is survived by his children, Mark Bryant of Fayetteville, Denise Powell of Goldsboro and Pamela Friend and husband, Paul of Pine Level; his granddaughter, Christine Merced; three great-grandchildren, Audrie and Addisen Merced and Noah Usquinio and one great-great grandchild on the way and his beloved cat, “Maggie”.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Bryant was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Marie Bryant; his son-in-law, Dewey Lee Powell Jr. and his granddaughter, Catherine Steele.
Professional services entrusted and in the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
