On November 27, 2016, John Walter Bryant, a 72-year-old White / Caucasian male resident of the Marlboro County area near McColl and Bennettsville, South Carolina, passed away. Born on September 17, 1944, in Robeson County, North Carolina, he was the son of Walter and Mary Jacobs Bryant. Throughout his life, he maintained close ties to the region, eventually retiring from the Marlboro County School District where he had worked for many years. Outside of his professional life, he was known for his dedication to his family and his hobby of carpentry.
Mr. Bryant’s death occurred on a Sunday and was observed with traditional memorial services rather than a criminal investigation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Mae Locklear Bryant, and a brother, Chesley "Pops" Bryant. He was survived by his three children—Stevie Lee Bryant of Clio, South Carolina; Betty Lynn McMillan of Raeford, North Carolina; and Tonya D. Hatcher of Bennettsville—as well as several siblings and grandchildren. Family and friends gathered to pay their respects at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel followed by a private interment at Rogers Cemetery.
Regarding the circumstances of his passing, public records and local reports indicate that his death was not treated as a homicide or a result of foul play. Consequently, there were no arrests made, no suspects were sought by law enforcement, and no criminal charges were filed in connection with the end of his life. The events surrounding his death were consistent with natural causes, leaving his family to focus on his memory and legacy within the community without the involvement of the justice system.
