Lt. Col Clarence Carrol Bryant USMC (ret.)

Lt Col Clarence Carrol Bryant, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), 78, of Manassas, Virginia died at home on 26 June 2014. Born in Roanoke, VA to Herbert and Lula Bryant of Appomattox, VA on 13 November 1935, he grew up in Madison Heights, VA and graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1952. A 30 year Marine, Lt Col Bryant served in positions of increasing complexity and responsibility from 1953 thru 1983. Enlisting in 1953, Lt Col Bryant rapidly advanced through multiple enlisted ranks to GySgt, awarded Warrant Officer 1 & 2 and meritoriously selected as a commissioned officer. A pioneer of the U.S.M.C. 06XX Communications field, he was hand-picked for assignments as a construction wireman, wire chief, radio chief, tactical comms engineer officer and communications officer. He tenaciously performed duties as a Drill Instructor at Parris Island, S.C. and deployed globally with all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. He superbly led Marines in combat actions during the Lebanon Crisis ‘58, Vietnam ‘68-’69 and Operation EAGLE PULL/FREQUENT WIND ‘75. His personal decorations include the meritorious service medal, navy commendation medal for valor, combat action ribbon (2), rifle expert (18th award) and pistol expert (12th award). C.C. married Anne on 20 June 1958 in Gretna, VA. They were happily married for 55 years. In 1964, C.C. became a Master Mason in Okinawa Lodge 118. For over 53 years, he enjoyed teaching “Misfits” Sunday school classes, mentoring Royal Ambassadors & Girls in Action, visiting the homebound, leading multiple church committees and serving as a church deacon. C.C. is survived by his spouse Anne of Manassas, VA and children – Martin Bryant of Manassas, VA & Claire Beaber of Chesapeake, VA; brother and sister – Wayne Stanley of Lynchburg, VA & Bessie B. Snead of Amherst, VA; and grandchildren – Crystal Beaber, Adam Beaber, Kassie Bryant and Nicholas Bryant. The family will greet friends and relatives from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, 1 July 2014 at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St. Manassas, VA where a Masonic Service will take place at 7:30 PM. Funeral Service will be held 11:30 AM 2 July 2014 at Manassas Baptist Church, 8800 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA. Interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road (Route 619) Triangle, VA with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Manassas Baptist Church mortgage fund or the GA Camp Scholarship. Condolences may be left on Lt Col Bryant’s online guest book at www.piercefh.com

Lt. Col Clarence Carrol Bryant USMC (ret.)

November 13, 1935 - June 26, 2014