Joseph “Joe” Marvin Bryant, 80, passed away on July 4, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Joe was born Jan. 1, 1937, in Nansemond County, son of the late Marvin G. and Emily T. Bryant, and was also predeceased by a sister, Louise B. Mathias, and brothers, James Bryant and Walter Bryant.

Joe was a machinist with Newport News Shipbuilding, retiring in 1974 after 19 years of employment.

In Joe’s younger life, he was an enthusiastic participant in drag car racing. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, skeet shooting, gardening and the love of his family. Joe was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather (known as Ga-Ga), and he will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Joyce Griffin Bryant, and three daughters, Linda B. Burrus (R.B.), Brenda B. Conner (Ricky) and Betty Jo Stroud (Walter); grandchildren, Stephanie B. Sutton (Timothy), Amy B. Yost (Jonathan), Amanda B. Blankenship (Jason), Kenneth Ray Gaskins, Kenzie Jo Davenport (Jeremy) and Zachary Jacksyn Stroud; great-grandchildren, Alex and Hailey Sutton, Colton and Griffin Yost, Austin and Lily Blankenship, Devin Oram, Grayson Conner and, expected in August, Josie Davenport.

He is also survived by sisters, Mary Duncan (Edward) and Martha Racer, and a brother, Charles Bryant (Barbara).

Joe was a member of Bethlehem Christian Church for more than 50 years. He will be long remembered for his quiet spirit and generosity of helping those in need.

There will be a graveside service at the Bethlehem Christian Church cemetery at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, with the Rev. Lafayette Wilkins Jr. officiating. A visitation and reception will follow in the church’s Graham Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Christian Church, Food Pantry, 1549 Holland Road, Suffolk, VA 23434, or to a charity of your choice.

The family sincerely expresses their appreciation for the loving care and support given them by Compassionate Home Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at RWBakerFH.com.