Obituary

Arlie "Hun" O'Bryant, Sr.

August 25, 1920 - February 19, 2025

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid
up for me a crown of righteousness, which my Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Humble my life began on August 25, 1920 to Cornelius and Janie Carter O’Bryant in the Star Hill Community. My 104 years has been spent in Washington Parish. Many first did my long life see. My children and grandchildren cherish my memories. I have stories about the first car I ever saw, trips in horse drawn wagons, it was a really long trip from Warnerton to Franklinton. From granddaddy and the fish stealing theif and maybe a yarn or two. I’ve seen wars, lived the Great Depression and countless days in between. I have loved and lost many times over.

In 1957 I moved my little family to the Thomas Community and there I stayed. I worked a few jobs from working in the cotton fields to painting houses and a few others in between. In 1965 I found my true vocation with my gift of gab I became an auctioneer. After 58 years of working in the auction business throughout Louisiana and Mississippi I hung up the gavel and decided to rest a spell.

In 1948 I was honored to become a reserve deputy for the late Sheriff Dorman Crowe and was given the opportunity to serve as honorary deputy for the current Sheriff Jason Smith. For 77 years I have had the priveledge to serve and support our sheriff’s department and my family cherish my memories of getting a few bad boys.

My greatest gift to my children and grandchildren was my love and faith in Jesus Christ. I have to say, I don’t know if I found the Lord or if he found me at that altar I made from that old tree stump but I gave up the World and found my Jesus. Faithful from the beginning, faithful till the end. My dear loved ones remember the Cross and Jesus who shed His blood. No other way will do.

I leave behind my cherished family: One Son and Daughter in law: AJ and Gloria O’Bryant; One Daughter and Son in law: Barbara and Tracy Schilling; 1 Sister: Sally White; 7 Grandchildren; 30 Great-grandchildren; 20 Great-great-grandchildren; Also Special Friends: Bubba Macina, Jason Smith, Johnnie Crain, Sr., Johnnie Crain, Jr., Hilton Holmes, Paul Bailey

I was preceded in death by my wife of 48 years Elsie O’Bryant, 2 daughters and sons in law Jessie Mae and Tommy Cox, Lille Mae O’Bryant, Loroy David Toney, 2 grandsons Dana Earl Cox, James Arlie “Man” O’Bryant, III, 1 great-grandchild, may parents and siblings and many other loved ones.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Sunday February 23rd from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm Sunday with Rev. Jimmy Hill, Eld. Don Jacobs and Bro, Anthony Odom officiating. Burial will follow in the Thomas Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Morgan Cox, Matthew O/Bryant, Christopher O’Bryant, Jerron Hughes, Shane Cox, TJ Cox

Honorary Pallbearers are great-grandsons and great-great-grandsons Wesley, Shane, Jr., Jason, Bodhi, Keaton, Haddox, Logan, Bowen, Wyatt, James, Jr. (Zach), Luke, Brisyn, Payton