Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I found this memorial page from a Quora reference question that was answered by S. Bailey.

I am just a random person. And have never been a police officer. But I wanted to tell you all, just how amazing and how loved you all are. Crystal, your words of love have reached a random person in Colorado. And I wish more than anything I could change what happened. Your love is mighty apparent for your friends, family, and father. He was obviously an amazing person. You, are obviously an amazing person.

May your life be ever peaceful.

Jake Conant

August 8, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Bryant.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 24, 2020

I know it’s been a while since I visited this page. I have been to your site after moving back home. I didn’t go alone, Mom and Hal came with me. I sure hope that you can peak from heaven from time to time. But more importantly I want you to Rest In Peace! You deserve it! I LOVE YOU and I MISS YOU SO MUCH DAD, it’s been extra hard since Bill joined you there in heaven! Some things are just NEVER OK! You taught me to be strong, so I know I will find the strength. But tonight I just really love and miss you

Crystal McBroom
Daughter

August 30, 2020

Patrolman Bryant was an honorable and good man. He was respected throughout the community, and he is missed. There is reason to believe he was investigating a police officer. If you have any tips, knowledge of this, or relevant information to share, please email us at [email protected].

Tips S. Stites Murder Investigation

July 21, 2018

Joe responded to my call for assistance with a 1 veh crash, driver left the scene off a cr in Lee county, Tx. Joe was killed after locating the driver. He saved my life. This was not the first time he had responded whether he was on or off duty when I was out on a traffic stop. It was his character to look after his brother officer. He was a United States Marine veteran. John 15:13.

Retired Senior Trooper Robert W. Thorp
Texas Department of Public Safety- Texas Highway Patrol

March 19, 2018

Joe, you were and are missed. It has been over twenty one Years and I can still see you on your off days puffing on a big cigar.
I can see you watching the pastor mowing the church yard, moving your head in disapproval , then swagger up to the preacher and remove the lawnmower from him and completing the job. Typical Gary Joe Bryant . God bless your soul. We will see you someday.

Lt. Ret. Garnett D. Damewood,Sr.
Giddings Police Department

December 26, 2017

Rest in Peace my brave brother. Your courage is remembered today and always. May the Lord bless your family always.

Sergeant Barton
Garden City PD

October 1, 2017

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

October 28, 2016

It's been 20 yrs Dad since your watch ended. We love and miss you far more than words can express. You have been loved and missed by Bill, Wade and I so much more than words can say. We deeply love and miss our Dad! A beloved father, son, brother and friend loved and respected by so many others as well. Miss your laughter, sense of humor, the way you loved to tease ( yes even the way you always teased me). You always made us feel safe, loved and protected. Your wisdom, advise and understanding. Your chilli and your coffee. The list goes on and on. For lack of better words to express... I miss YOU Dad!

Crystal Proctor
Your Daughter

October 28, 2016

It has been 20 years since your watch ended. There are times it seems like yesterday. Reading the other reflectons you were respected and are truly missed by many. You are always in our thoughts.

Love your Son,
Bill

Bill Bryant
Son

October 27, 2016

Joe Bryant and we're partners since his hire with Giddings PD. The day he was killed in the line of duty was one of the very few days we didn't work together due to short staffing. Joe relieved me at 6am. At 12:40pm I was home asleep because I was Joe's relief. My phone ran. Dispatch asked if I could come out because Joe wasn't answering his radio. I drove to the last area he was known to be. His patrol carcass parked on a FM road with hazard lights on. Looked weird. There were no houses near just pasture land. Joe's hand radio was found an hour later at a near by farm residence. Troop Thorp searched the pasture while I and Robert GVFD Chief search the farm. We saw a mound of dirt not knowing Joe had been fatally shot multiple times and was buried beneath the mound. Hours went by before Joe's body was discovered. After a 2 day manhunt for his killer the offender was finally apprehended. I never knew the actual true meaning of brother/sisterhood amongst law enforcement officers before that day. I learned the hard way what the true meaning meant. Take care of one another. Put your differences aside. Welcome new officers to your departments. Its,already hard enough starting over or beginning new. Joe made everyone feel welcomed. He spoke tough but was the best role model I ever knew in my law enforcement career. Be like Joe. Be kind, don't wear your badge heavy. Be firm when needed and show compassion when not expected. Joe is proud of his children who are grown with their own families. Joe left us early but his name and service will remain. It was more than an honor to not just work with the best partner ever but to have him call me his friend! To our fellow officers don't make the common mistake we do all to often by taking calls for granted but more so dont take our families for granted. I think about my best friend as family and shall do so til I join him. Bless Joe's family for they endured a hardship most have never experienced.

Nathan P. Lapham

Nathan P lapham
Calhoun Cnty Sheriffs Office

August 31, 2015

Never forgotten!

Police Officer - -
Mesquite (TX) Police Department

October 27, 2014

I remember the last year went to high school I saw Joe walking home about 9 or 10 AM from school. I ask him why he wasn't in school he told me he only needed 1 credit to graduate and only went to school for one hour. He was always such a calm cool collected boy.
Joe joined the marines shortly after graduating High School.
He came home just be for he shipped out to Vietnam. He came over to the house one morning and ask me it I wanted to go horse back riding with him, that he had a friend that had two horses and if I wanted to go I could.
We rode out of town a couple of miles I had to keep kicking my horse all the way to make him go. We rode the horsed down a pretty steep hill, when we reached the bottom we followed a wash which lead back toward the stable which was about 4 mile back. From then on we had to pull the reigns to keep the horses from going into a dead run. When we to back and put the horses up that was the last time that I saw Joe.
I saw Joe's brother for the first time in 2002 in 30 years one of the first things I ask was how Joe was. I was totally shocked when he told me Joe had been murdered.
I think Joe spent two tours in Vietnam. Its hard to understand how such a good man who gave his service for his country, and then wanted to serve and protect his community could be murdered in such a way. God bless all law enforcement officers

Edward Jaye Hine
Friend

June 3, 2013

I was talking to your mom the other night and she was telling me that it would be 16 years in October since you have been gone. Hard to believe. My mom and dad have joined you now, so you and dad should have some good and funny stories to share. You definitely were blessed with the Watkins side of the family when it came to personality and humor and that is how I will always remember you. You were fun and always joking around whenever we were blessed to see each other. Usually on Turkey Day. I have thought of you so many times over the years, but even more in the past week due to another slain officer in Austin who also left behind children, but they are young children without a father. Thank God that at least you were able to raise yours and see them to adulthood. I know they all miss you and I know your mom still has difficult times, but she is still going strong at 89. I just wanted to let you know you have not been forgotten. RIP, Joe and know we will always remember.

Beth Watkins Burdett
cousin

April 14, 2012

You remain in our thoughts and prayers. I know you are up there watching over us from Heaven!

Garrett Durrenberger, Deputy Sheriff
Lee County Sheriffs Department

December 10, 2008

I cant believe its been 12 years, Joe. I think of you often and laugh at the times when you would drive by when I was working the night shift and scream "wake up" in the radio. I still remember exactly how your voice sounds. Thank you for watching out for me. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. And most of all, thank you for being just Joe, my friend.

Patti Wyman
Former Lee County SO Dispatcher

December 2, 2008

To Patrolman Gary Joe Bryant and his loved ones:

On this the twelth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today. Rest in Peace, Gary Joe. I am praying for solace for Crystal and your family members today, and each day that they are on the survivors' path.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Gary Joe gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 27, 1996.

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

October 28, 2008

It has been 12 years since your watch was ended. It was cut short for reasons only God knows. You are truly missed every day. For years now I have struggled with what exactly to say on here about you.
I can say it was your sense of Honor and Devotion to Duty, that you instilled in all your kids. That I was willing and able to complete 20 years of service for our Country. Thank You Dad.

I also leave a saying that only a Sailor and Marine could ever understand. "Fair Winds and Following Seas"

Love your Son,
Bill

Bill Bryant, AZ1 (AW) USN (Ret)
Son

October 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
District Heights, MD Police Dept.

October 27, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 7, 2008

To my father, on the 11th anniversary of your death, please know you will never be forgotten, but will always loved and admired.
Sometimes it seems like yesterday that I was telling you about your grandaughter's first words. Other times it seems like a lifetime, entirely too long without you. I miss you.
But you would truly be honored by the way Nathan, the Giddings Police Department and Giddings have continued to honor your memory. They have truly respected you and recognized your sacrifice and continue to do so.
I understand that if you would have had a choice of how you were to leave this world and go to heaven, it truly would have been in the line of duty. And I understand that your death was clearly in God's timing, I just wasn't ready for it.
I look forward to our reunion in heaven, as I miss you so much. Your grandaughters are so proud of you! I still haven't told them the details, as they are still too young. But they know every time they see a police officer, that they are the good guys here to help and take the bad guys away! They know that you are in heaven because you gave up your life to fight the bad guys. They know you are a hero and you watch them from heaven above. They talkk about how they picture you as an angel with wings and a gun to beat up those bad guys. To them you are the super angel! You're a cop with wings and no one can beat you now especially since now you have God as back up! They really do love and respect you. You would have been so proud! ssso on that happy day when we can see you again, you can expect oh so many hugs, as we have waited the rest of our lifetime to give them to you! So this is your only warning, prepare to be smothered in love! You are truly loved so very much!
Until our very happy reunion in heaven, I will continue to love, wait, and miss.

All Of My Love,
Your Daughter
Crystal

Crystal Proctor
daughter

October 27, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 26, 2007

I was a resident of Giddings at the time of Joe's murder. I remember Joe at the barber shop we both patronized and he tried to recruit me to join the PD, and I remember seeing him on patrol in town, always with a wave. I attended the funeral and was impressed at the friends he had made from all over Texas and bordering states which I only knew because they drove their cruisers to Giddings. To his family I would like to extend my deep condolences for your loss. I'll always remember you Joe.

Russell Reim

June 29, 2007

To my Dad, you were never a man of displayed affections as you never needed to be. You showed your love and affection on a daily basis close to your heart as you were a private man, which those who knew you best , knew this well. Although I am writing this more for me than for you, I have to say that I miss you so very much and I still needed you . I don't think any daughter is ever really ready or prepared to loose their father. I still needed you so much and I probably always will. I just wanted say I love you and miss you and there is not a day that goes by that I don't feel that way. I thank God that he is a father to the fatherless because he has known how much I have still needed you. I just really needed to say that I still miss, love and need you and that will never change. I can't wait to see you again in heaven for our family reunion. That will truly be a blessed day but only in God's timing. May you rest in peace as you know just how much you are loved and missed.

Crystal Proctor
daughter

March 6, 2007

On this tenth anniversary of your passing, may your family, friends and co-workers find peace and comfort. God holds you in His hands and all times and relieves all pains in Heaven.

Rest well, warrior, good job on earth. Enjoy the streets of Heaven.

LEO Wife, APD

October 27, 2006