William Charles Bryant Jr., 78, was called on January 29, 2026, to leave his earthly life and join with his Lord and Savior to continue his spiritual journey. He had been in declining health for the last several months.
Born on May 21,1947, he was the son of the late Dorothy Irving Bryant and William Charles Bryant Sr. His childhood was spent on his grandparents’ farm, where he and his sister Ann roamed the pastures with the cows, sheep, and other farm animals searching for crawfish and other critters in the creek that flowed through the property. Cousins and friends loved to visit the farm.
Despite his mothers’ desire to use his middle name Charles, his big sister called him “Boya,” a name that has also been in use in one or other variations all Williams’ life. His best friends called him “Bo.”
In his teens, William’s artistic talents were recognized and he studied sketching, drawing, and other art methods. While at Statesville High School, he played trumpet in the band and was asked by new Director Calabrese to create illustrations of the new Grenadier uniform to introduce the design to band members and the community. He remained faithful friends with many members of the Class of 1965.
After graduating high school, William enrolled in the Harris Art School to study various types of visual art forms. He also studied at the Columbus Ohio School of Art . His education was interrupted by his enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving a tour of duty on a supply river boat near Da Nang in Viet Nam in the early 1970s. In Viet Nam he was offered a field advancement in rank. He refused, stating that he did not want the responsibility of giving his friends orders that may cause their deaths while in service.
On his return to Statesville, he renewed his art studies and found a position as a stained glass designer at Laws Stained Glass, where he could express his creativity and his devotion to God. He relocated to Lynchburg, Va., to work as an artist for Weinberger’s Stained Glass. Many of his designs are in stained windows in churches and other sites around the country. He went on to form his own company, Bryant Sign Art, which produced signs and other promotional materials for local and other clients in Jacksonville, Fla. He added all types of trade show art creations as well as signage for clients there and elsewhere.
It was during his time in Jacksonville that he became reacquainted with his wife, Vickie McVey Bryant, whom he originally met after his return to the U.S. from Viet Nam. Fate had determined that they belonged together! He returned to North Carolina, where they began their life as a couple. They married August 24, 1999, in Carthage, N.C.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Vickie Bryant; stepson, Thomas Plyler of Ashville, N.C.; sister, Ann Coker (George) of Roswell, Ga.; niece, Catherine Shaifer ( Adam) and their three children in Atlanta, Ga., and many other relatives and friends.
In honor of Mr. William Bryant and his family’s commitment to those who served, Vicki is making a donation to Mobile Riverine Force Association. If you are interested in learning more, getting involved, or making a donation, please visit https://www.mrfa.org/us-navy/us-navy-mobile-riverine-force/u-s-naval-bases-support-activities-vietnam/cua-viet-u-s-naval-support-activity-1967-1970/
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.