Harley Bryant Obituary

Harley "Furman" Bryant, Jr.

July 1, 1938 -

September 27, 2025

UNICOI - Harley "Furman" Bryant, Jr., age 87, of Unicoi, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN. A native of Unicoi, Furman was the son of the late Harley Furman Bryant, Sr. and Mary Ruetta (Howell) Bryant. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Cold War era. He was employed by Davison Chemical Company, where he remained even after it became Nuclear Fuel Services. Furman retired from NFS after 37 years of service. Furman was an Elder at Unicoi Christian Church, a Mason, a past Master of the Unicoi Lodge 681, and spent 20+ years as the Leader of Boy Scout Troop # 64.

Furman was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hiking, hunting, fishing and camping. He was a lifelong learner and voracious reader; a conservationist, herbalist, and a luthier who repaired musical instruments and made violins that he shared with loved ones. Furman led the Bryant Family Bluegrass Band on banjo and offered music lessons to anyone who wanted to learn. He was the family historian, exploring genealogy to an incredible depth and restoring the graves of forgotten veterans by placing government markers. He was a fantastic chef, specializing in BBQ and Cajun food. He encouraged young learners in many ways, especially with the creation of a scholarship in his father's name. Furman believed in God, had a servant's heart, lived for the Lord and spent his life choosing to be an example.

In addition to his parents, Furman is preceded in death by his sister, Faith Bryant, one nephew, Mark Shipley, an uncle, Curtis Howell, brother-in-law, Dr. Terry Broom, and other beloved family members.

Harley "Furman" Bryant, Jr. has left behind to cherish his memory: wife of 64 years, Lois Mariee (Fain) Bryant; daughters: Cynthia Reneé Garland, Constance Bryant Fairchild, and Ashley Kaye Mumpower; grandchildren: Brandon Stewart Garland, John Benjamin Fairchild, Audrey Mariee Fairchild, Silvan James Mumpower, and Elora Isobel Mumpower; sister, Hope Rose; and many other dear family members and friends.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the ICU team at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Mountain Home, for their kindness and care during this difficult time.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Harley "Furman" Bryant, Jr.in a celebration of his life to be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 12:00 pm on Thursday and will continue until service time at Valley Funeral Home. A graveside committal will be held in Roselawn Cemetery following the celebration of life. Those attending the committal service should meet at Roselawn Memory Gardens by 1:50 pm on. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Rogers, Tim Moore, Barry Griffith, Mike Ingram, and Bud Banks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Furman's name to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 950 W Faris Rd., Greeneville, SC 29605.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Harley "Furman" Bryant, Jr. through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423)743-9187.