Joseph Willard Bryant, Jr., 84, of Zolfo Springs, died April 12, 2015 at home. He was born on March 2, 1931 in Moore Haven and moved to Hardee County from Opa Locka in 1974. He was a Baptist, and had retired from the U.S. Coast Guard as a chief petty officer after 28 years of service.
Following this, he worked with the U.S. Postal Service in Bowling Green. He was also co-owner of Jody's Video Gallery in Zolfo Springs.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dee Bryant and a brother, George Bryant.

Survivors include his stepmother, Vera Bryant of Okeechobee; son, Douglas B. Barber, Jr. of Zolfo Springs; daughters, Pauline Starnes (Edward) of Wauchula and Debbie Bryant of Tampa; brothers, Jerry Bryant of Okeechobee and Ricky Bryant of Avon Park; sister, Alice Bryant Hughes of Okeechobee; grandchildren, Joseph and Sebrina Barber, Hunter Bryant, and Brianne Starnes; and great-grandchildren, Allison and Liam Barber.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 17th at 2 PM at Real Life Church, Bowling Green.