Dennis Earl Bryant left his earthly home on July 10, 2022, to be reunited in heaven with his beloved daughter April. He leaves behind a devoted family - his wife Trish; his daughter and son-in-law Cristy and David Schuler; his dear grandsons Jack and Jett Philpott; his brother Pete and wife Rose and their children Gary, Petey, Jennifer, and Mandy; his brother-in-law Bain Ward and wife Jackie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dennis was born on Feb. 11, 1948, in San Angelo, Texas, to LaVerne and Earl Bryant. He graduated from Alpine High School in 1967 where he was a proud member of the Fightin’ Bucks football team. His athletic prowess led him to obtain a football scholarship at the University of New Mexico. He left UNM to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from June 1970 to August 1971 where he rose to the rank of an E6 sergeant.

When he returned to the U.S., he graduated from Sul Ross State University inn Alpine, Texas. All the while, still in love with his high school sweetheart, he then married the love of his life, Trish in 1972. This July 22, 2022, would have been their 50th wedding anniversary.

Dennis Bryant leaves behind a legacy of patriotism, teamwork, and honor that impacted the lives of countless young men. He absolutely loved coaching football, and he loved turning young boys into men. He strongly believed in developing the character of his athletes, and that football, albeit hard work, should also be fun.

He began his coaching career in Marfa, Texas, and culminated in Midland, Texas, at Midland Lee High School. His coaching career led him and his family throughout the West Texas towns of Odessa, Monahans, Abilene, Kermit, Alpine, and Garden City. Through the years he coached basketball, track, golf, and most influentially, football. Perhaps his most exciting moments were being on the Midland Lee Rebels staff that won three consecutive Texas High School state championships.

He was well-respected not only by his players, but also by other coaches in the world of Texas High School football. He was selected by his peers to serve on the Texas High School Board of Directors and the All-Star selection committee, and coached in a North-South All-Star game.

The outside accolades of his life pale in comparison to his love and devotion to his family. DE was an original “girl dad.” He raised his daughters to be athletic, fierce, and selfassured warriors. He attended their games, meets, and practices, and instilled in them a love of God and country as well as fairness.

DE and Trish moved to Georgetown in 2008 to be closer to their daughters Cristy and April and of course, grandsons, Jack and Jett. Coach Bryant was a terrific dad, and an even better Papa. He was a regular spectator at Jack and Jett’s games, as well as working on pass plays in the back yard. His pride in his grandchildren was evident, and his influence on them unmeasured. His grandsons strove every day to earn his respect and meet his expectations.

Dennis Bryant loved life and loved people. He enjoyed every day to its fullest, whether it be playing golf or eating a meal. He never met a stranger, and could put anyone at ease. Even when dealing with his own health issues in recent years, he couldn’t help but brag to anyone who would listen about his grandsons’ accomplishments. He was especially proud on two counts for this coming year, the first being that Jett would be playing Liberty Hill High School football, and the other being Jack’s appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

However, he was concerned about missing any of the boy’s upcoming events since it was getting more difficult to climb those bleachers. Rest easy Coach, you now have a front row seat to watch all that they will accomplish. We love you, and miss you terribly.

A Celebration of Life was held on July 19, 2022, in the Chapel of Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown, Texas. A reception followed the service in the Reception Hall of Ramsey Funeral Home.