Paul Eugene Bryant, Jr.

Paul Eugene “Gene” Bryant, Jr., age 88, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, in Jasper, Georgia. Born on June 9, 1937, in Atlanta, Georgia, Gene lived a remarkable life, marked by professional achievement, global adventure, and deep devotion to his family.

Gene’s academic journey began at West Fulton High School, where he was a popular, stand out student--a scholar, a student athlete, and Student Body Vice President. Upon graduation, he matriculated to Kenyon College on a full Academic Scholarship. After a year at Kenyon, he transferring to Georgia Tech in Atlanta, to be closer to family. A subsequent career opportunity required a move to Memphis, and a transfer to Memphis State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. After graduation, Gene began to pursue his Masters Degree in Economics, and was very close to completing his Masters Degree requirements, before another career advancement required a move to Minneapolis.

His storied career in grain and commodities trading began humbly as a part-time student employee with Pillsbury in Atlanta. However, his intelligence and natural business acumen quickly propelled him forward. In 1961, he moved with his young family to Memphis for a new full-time opportunity with the company. Another promotion followed in 1967, taking the family to Minneapolis, Pillsbury's company headquarters.

His career reached new heights in 1972, when he joined Continental Grain Company in New York City, and moved his family to Weston, Connecticut. At Continental, Gene embarked on what would become the most exciting chapter of his professional life—traveling the world and negotiating large-scale grain and meal trades with foreign companies and countries. His work took him across continents and into boardrooms, where his keen insight and sharp memory made him an invaluable asset to Continental Grain.

In 1981, Gene accepted another career advancement position with A.E. Staley , which brought him to Decatur, Illinois. Just three years later, he embraced a new challenge by embarking on a new career, joining The Chicago Board of Trade as a commodities trader with Dean Witter. This final chapter of his career proved to be especially fulfilling; it was a role that perfectly matched his extensive real-world experience and exceptional mathematical acumen and attention to detail. He thoroughly enjoyed the fast paced environment of The Chicago Board of Trade, and he excelled at commodities trading. Over the subsequent 22 years, he was an employee of E.F. Hutton, The Chicago Corp, and Shearson Lehman. After a fulfilling and highly successful final phase of his working career, Gene retired from The Chicago Board of Trade in 2003.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gene was above all a cherished and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He shared 67 wonderful years of marriage with Maxine Bryant, the love of his life, whom he met on a blind date arranged by mutual high school friends. They married in 1958. Together they travelled all over the world and embarked on many great adventures. They raised two children: Beth Bryant Morris (Ken) and Brad Bryant (Joanne). "Papa Gene" took immense pride in his children and grandchildren—Alex Morris (Katie), Lindsey Johnson (Daniel), and Carlee Bryant—and more recently, his great grandchildren (Knox Morris and Finley Morris). He truly treasured every moment spent with his family and extended family.

In addition to his immediate family, Gene is also suvived by, and fondly remenbered by, his younger brother Robert Bryant (Debbie), whose bond with Gene remained strong throughout their lives.

Gene had an extraordinary memory for details and was known for being a gifted storyteller who could captivate any audience with tales from his travels or humorous anecdotes from everyday life. His quick wit and warm presence made him beloved among friends and neighbors alike.

Gene was a lifelong avid golfer and immensely enjoyed his regular foursomes. He was especially thrilled to join the "hole-in-one" club during one of his Florida golf outings. Gene was a loyal fan of Georgia Tech football, and he also enjoyed annual duck and deer hunting trips--and the camaraderie that came with all of these activities.

After retiring to Haines City, Florida, Gene remained active in community life by serving as President of his Homeowners Association for many years. He was a respected leader who knew all of his neighbors by name—and they knew him as someone who was always ready to lend a hand, with a great story to share.

Gene and Maxine also owned a seasonal retirement home in Big Canoe, GA, where they enjoyed their Summers in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, among the abundant wildlife.

In retirement, Gene researched his family history, and discovered to his delight that by being a direct descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier, he was eligible to apply for membership in The Sons of The American Revolution organization. His SAR membership also sparked a new interest in Revolutionary War and Civil War history, resulting in his impressive home library on these topics.

Gene’s legacy is one of exceptional career success, love for family, passion for life’s adventures, and excellence in all that he pursued. He is irreplaceable, and will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him, and continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

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