Bassett Merritt Bryant Jr.

Bassett Merritt Bryant Jr., 94, was born on October 28, 1931, in Canadian, Texas, and passed peacefully on May 25, 2026.

Bassett is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Georgia Bryant; his sons, Mark Bryant (Laura), Mike Bryant, and Matt Bryant (Kristi); his grandchildren, Megan Evans (Ryan), Brittany Hall (Wesley), Amanda Kenyon (Zach), Nathan Bryant (Maddie), and Roberta Roser (Scott); and his great-grandchildren, Madison, Mary Beth, and Georgia Evans, Emaleya, Olivya, and Victorya Hall, Henry and Bassett Bryant, and Marley (Grady) and Sadie Roser.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Catherine; his father, Bassett Sr.; his brother, Dub; his sister, Beth; and his daughter-in-law, Mary Randolph-Bryant.

Bassett, a veteran of the Korean War, found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved riding four-wheelers with his family, traveling across America in his RV with Georgia, fishing, painting, and cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their activities. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Bassett would proudly say it was his 70-year marriage to the love of his life and raising a Christ-centered family together.

Bassett never missed an opportunity to share his faith in God, offer encouragement, or pass along wisdom to those around him. He welcomed everyone with open arms, a kind heart, and a steady presence that made people feel loved and valued.

Though Bassett will be dearly missed, his legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family will live on in the many lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30AM, June 27, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Ruidoso.