Special to United Methodist Insight | Jan. 5, 2026
The Rev, Richard Lowell Bryant, 51, of Trinity, North Carolina, passed away at his home on December 29, 2025, after a short illness. A wonderful husband, father, son, minister, teacher and friend, Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Richard Bryant
Born on March 18, 1974, in High Point, North Carolina, Richard was the beloved son of Roger Garland Bryant and Bettie Jo Kidd Bryant. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 14 years, Mary Helen (née Purifoy); and their children, Amber Leigh Cruzate (Ruben), David Bryan “Chip” Novak III (Kathryn), Donald Brandon Novak, Jordan Elizabeth Yeatts (Corey), Caroline Brooke Novak, and Mackenzie Paige Novak. He was a devoted grandfather to Gabriel, Lilly, Bethany, Kinsley, Harlan, Delaney, Rhett and Cecil.
Richard attended Trinity High School in Trinity, North Carolina, where he was a member of the debate team. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, a testament to his dedication and leadership. Richard was also a skilled musician who played several instruments, most notably the piano. He took weekly piano lessons throughout his childhood. While still in high school, Richard worked part-time at a local radio station, where he was known as “Rick Spence” during his nighttime oldies program. While living on Ocracoke Island, he hosted a weekly radio show on WOVV that he thoroughly enjoyed.
Richard had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. A voracious reader and avid consumer of news, he was a videophile who loved film and television of all kinds. He was a gifted speaker and storyteller who performed at events all over the world. He wrote thousands of essays, sermons, articles, and books. Even though some objected, Richard always stood up for truth and for those less fortunate, guided by a deep sense of justice and compassion. His writing was a frequent feature of United Methodist Insight.
“Dying alone is not simply a matter of having people around us when the end comes. It is about living a life rich in connection and purpose, where solitude and companionship are not at odds but are two sides of the same coin.” - Richard Bryant
Richard earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University, and most recently, a master’s degree in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) from Greensboro College. He also pursued studies at Harvard University and Yale University. Shortly before his passing, Richard had applied to the PhD program in Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Richard served in the Peace Corps, traveling to Togo, West Africa. Following his graduation from Duke Divinity School, Richard served as an ordained minister with the United Methodist Church. He held appointments at churches in Leeds, England; Raleigh, North Carolina; Marshallberg, North Carolina; Strabane, Northern Ireland; Ocracoke, North Carolina; Burgaw, North Carolina, and Hillsborough, North Carolina. He also worked for the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries in Moscow, Russia, for two years. Richard went on several mission trips to Armenia as well and fell in love with the people and their culture.
In 2023, Richard stepped away from the ministry and began working as an English as a Second Language Instructor at Davidson-Davie Community College in Mocksville, North Carolina. He also taught at Davidson Correctional Center in Lexington, North Carolina. Richard formed close bonds with all his students and genuinely loved teaching.A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Memorial United Methodist Church, 101 Randolph St., Thomasville, NC.
An additional service will be held later in the Spring in Marshallberg, North Carolina. Details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Methodist Home for Children.