Marvin Bryant Smith, age 74 of Cushing, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 25, 2010 in Cushing. A Home Going Celebration will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2010 at the First Freewill Baptist Church, Cushing. Pastor Jim Johnson and Rev. James Cofelt will officiate. Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing
Bryant was born on April 22, 1936 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Virgil and Aileen (Robbins) Smith. He grew up in Adamsville, Alabama and graduated from Adamsville High School in 1954. He began singing in church at age five. Gospel music became a very important part of his life. Bryant entered the U.S. Air Force, serving his country from 1956 to 1962. Bryant married the love of his life Marion on January 21, 1961 in Modesto, Ca. They made their home in Modesto for 32 years. He worked for AT&T, retiring in 1986, after 26 years of service. They were members of the Big Valley Community Church, serving as a Deacon, singing in the Choir and praise team and teaching Sunday school. In the 1970’s, Bryant attended Modesto Jr. College, graduating with an Associate’s Degree in Business. They owned Smith Haven Residential Care in Modesto for 8 years. He served as President of the California Residential Care Board. They moved to Cushing in 1992 and joined the First Christian Church, where he served as a Deacon/Elder and taught Sunday school. While at the Christian Church, he served in the Disciples Quartet, singing Gospel Music for a number of years. He later became a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school and sang with the praise team until his health declined. He was on the Founding Board of the Cushing Care Clinic, Founding members of Silver Lining and member of the Lion’s Club, member of the V.F.W. and Pioneers of American. Bryant had also worked for Palmer Marler Funeral Home until his health began to fail.
He enjoyed the many activities of the Senior Citizens, including dancing with his wife. Throughout the years, they enjoyed traveling in the United States and Canada. His passion was teaching God’s word.
Survivors include his wife of 49 1/2 years Marion Smith of the home, daughter Melody “Susie” Spargur and husband Paul of Cushing, sons Randall Franklin Busby of San Francisco, Wendell Lee Busby of Cushing, brothers Steven Smith and wife Janice of Houston, Tx., Dale Smith of Cushing, brother-in-law Robert Lotspeich and wife Judy of
Turlock, Ca., mother-in-law Bertha Williamson of Drumright. He is also survived by grandchildren Andrew Joel Worden, Adam Nicholas Worden, Kory James Spargur, Kyle William Spargur and Jason Lee Busby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Palmer Marler Funeral Home for distribution to AGAPE Children’s ministries in Kenya, Africa and Kenya Ministries.
Condolences and online guest book are available at www.palmermarlerfh.com.
***
