Audra R. "Obby" Bryant, 97, of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at his residence.
On February 22, 1924, Audra Ray Bryant was born near Athens to Oliver R. and Fern T. Rush Bryant. As one of five children, he shared his childhood with three sisters and a brother. Proudly he graduated from Fulton High School with the class of 1942. Answering the call of patriotism, Obby served during World War II with the US Army. He was honorably discharged in 1943.
On February 25, 1945, Obby married the love of his life, Miss Wilma Jean Wagoner. They have shared 76 years of life’s adventures while making many memories. From their union came six wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
Obby attended the Fulton Baptist Temple. He was a 60+ year member of the IOOF Lodge #47. With a strong work ethic, Obby was a lifelong farmer. He oversaw a fine herd of registered Black Angus and a milking operation. He annually planted corn and soybeans.
In the early years he worked at General Tire in Wabash for 5 years. He also worked at the Rochester Sale Barn for many years. Mr. Bryant drove the school bus for Fulton Schools. Obby was manager for the Fulton County Farm Bureau elevator. With his diverse interests he always made time to help Wilma with raising their five children and lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need.
As the patriarch of the Bryant family, Grandpa was proud to oversee four generations and his legacy. He looked forward to the holidays and special family celebrations, getting together making memories. Obby and Wilma enjoyed relaxing while wintering in Florida for over four decades.
Left to cherish Obby's memory are his wife, Wilma; five children: Roger Bryant and wife Margaret of Rochester, Susan Widman and husband Jim of Rochester, Tim Bryant and wife Susan of Rochester, Rodney Bryant and wife Lisa of Macy, Barbara Zeider Hites of Fulton; 10 grandchildren: Michael Bryant and wife Betsy, Jennifer Ann Korous and husband Michael, Sid Stremiecki and husband Scott, Lori Wiley and husband Brad, Ben Bryant, Scott Bryant and wife Ashley, Mathew Zeider, Jason Zeider and wife Summer; step grandchildren: Amber Smallbone, Joseph Smallbone; 14 great-grandchildren: Andrew Bryant, Hannah Korous, Levi Korous, Evelyn Wiley, Christopher Bryant, Bryce Bryant, Trevor Megedoht, Grayson Bryant, Addison Bryant, Easton Bryant, Maddux Zeider, Jaden Zeider, Kade Zeider, Talon Zeider; and three step great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law: Mary Dee Bryant of LaGrange, KY, Mary Murphy and husband Don of Fort Wayne; two brothers-in-law: Paul L. Wagoner and wife Peggy of TX , Kenneth Wagoner of MA, and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Obby in death are his parents; infant daughter Shelby Jean Bryant in 1946; three sisters: Freida Zeller, Catherine Hoge, Donna Jean Long; and brother Milo Bryant.
A celebration of the life of Audra R. Obby Bryant will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 8, 2021 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th, St., Rochester. Pastor Bruce Russell will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 PM on Thursday, October 7, 2021 and 10 - 10:45 AM on Friday in the funeral home.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge #47 will conduct a memorial service at 10:45 AM on Friday in the funeral home.
Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Military Honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Veterans Honor Guard and the United States Army Honors Team.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County Historical Society.
