Joe Bynum Bryant, 89, formerly of the 1700 block of North Main Street, Suffolk, died Wednesday, June 23, 2004, in Warrenton Overlook Nursing Home in the town of Warrenton.

A native of Newsoms, he was a son of the late Millard Roland Bryant and Susie Bradshaw Bryant. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Anita Price Bryant; three brothers, Millard Roland Bryant of Courtland; Gilbert Russell Bryant of Portsmouth; and Leslie Bush Bryant of Franklin; and a son-in-law, William F. Merchant, III of The Plains.

He had retired as a lieutenant from the Virginia State Police in 1975.

He was a member of Franklin Congregational Christian Church and Jolly Boys, Suffolk.

He was a graduate of Newsoms High School in 1933, a graduate of the Virginia State Police Academy in 1941, and was stationed in Franklin, Pulaski, Richmond, and Norfolk.

Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Elsie Lankford Bryant of Moorehead City, N.C.; daughter, Barbara Bryant Merchant of The Plains; sisters, Adelle Bryant Collier of Courtland; and Alyce Bryant Kitchen and Joyce Bryant Spivey, both of Franklin; grandchildren, William Fewell Merchant IV of Cabin John Md.; Benjamin Preston Merchant of Warrenton, and Evelyn Merchant Jackson of Danville; step-children, Brenda Lankford Slaughter of Newport, N.C., and Robert A. Lankford; and three great-grandchildren.

The graveside will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Holly Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Gardner officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Virginia State Police Association, c/o Joseph Bryant, 6944 Forest Ill Ave., Richmond, VA, 23225.

Harrell and Hill Funeral Home is serving the family.