Bryant, Charles Allen, 1SG

First Sergent (1SG) (Ret) Charles (Chuck) Allen Bryant, 63, Clarksville, passed on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at his home.

   A service is scheduled at 1 PM, Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home.  Military honors are planned and visitation begins at 11 AM.  He requested cremation.

  Born December 20, 1949, in Pittsburg, CA (Camp Stoneman) and was preceded in death by his parents, LTC (Ret) James B. and Mary L. Bryant.  He retired from the US Army on 13 June 1995, with over 22 years service.

   A combat veteran of both Vietnam and the 1991 Iraq War, 1SG Bryant was the recipient of several awards for bravery including The Silver Star (third highest military decoration) for gallantry in action and Bronze Star Medal w/ 'V' device ('V' for valor) for heroism in ground combat.  Chuck enlisted on March 28, 1969, attended Basic Combat Training at Ft. Campbell, KY and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Polk, LA.  He later attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA.  Though Chuck was exempt from going to a combat zone (Vietnam), as both his father and older brother were there, he waived his deferment, and volunteered for duty in Vietnam.  He wanted to attend the Army's+ Ranger School prior to deploying to Vietnam, the policy at Ft. Benning was no soldier could attend two military schools back-to-back.  With a little 'pull', regulations were changed and he attended the Ranger Course [Chuck's old high school wrestling buddys dad (COL Geraci) worked at Ft. Benning].  Ranger training increased survivability in combat.  Upon Chuck's Ranger School graduation, he was promoted to SSG/E6 on 28 May 1970--14 months from his initial enlistment.  While he was in Vietnam, both his older brother and father were severely wounded.  Departing the Army on 27 March 1972, he later re-enlisted on 17 February 1976.  Chuck was later promoted to SFC/E7 on 21 July 1985, to MSG/E8 on 1 June 1992, then elevated to First Sargent.

  Chuck served in Vietnam, Hawaii, Korea, the Sinai, Egypt (United Nations Multinational force), Southwest Asia (Saudi Arabia & Iraq), Ft. Campbell, KY, Ft. Riley, KS, Ft. Drum, NY, and deployed and trained in numerous other locations throughout the world, such as, the Florida Keys, West Virginia (Delta Force training), Fort Bragg, NC, New Zealand, Ft. Bliss, TX, France, and Ft. Chaffee, AR.

  Though Chuck had numerous awards and decorations, he personally felt that one of his greatest accomplishments was his training to become a member of Delta Force.  Though never selected, he was invited back for additional training as he exhibited the necessary motivation to continue to compete for this most coveted position.  Most people know that becoming a Delta Force team member is an extraordinarily mental, physical and emotional challenge.

  Upon retirement, Chuck trained his immense energy toward his lifelong dream of becoming self-employed.  He enjoyed from early childhood taking things apart to understand how they worked.  He focused those ambitions and became an extraordinary handyman, and called his business 'Bryant's Home Maintenance' and his customers satisfaction was guaranteed.  Chuck never ever had a complaint from anyone; his service was exemplary.  Further, he would donate his time 'pro bono' to help less fortunate people in the Clarksville/Montgomery County area during Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods--it was his way of giving back.

  Survivors include his ex-wife, Patty Ann Bryant and son Charles Allen Bryant, Jr., of Elkhart, IN,  brother James (Jim) Dale Bryant and sister Mary (Margie) Margaret Bryant of Clarkville, TN and brother Stephen (Steve) Dean Bryant of Fairfax Station, VA.

   Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com.