Retired newspaper editor Joe B. "Jody" Bryant of Metropolis passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY, due to complications from Kennedy's Disease. Born April 19, 1939, to Joe B. and Stelsa Evers Bryant, Joe married Virginia K. Schaffer on July 29, 1959, in Eldorado, Illinois and she survives in Metropolis, IL. Other survivors include children Chris Bryant, Mattie MacGregor and husband Brian Collmer; and Melissa Kunkle and husband Chuck; grandchildren Tonya Foster, Kyle Kunkle, Cory Kunkle, Tessa Bryant, and Angus Bryant; and great-grandchildren Taylor Foster, Cameron Foster, and Jayce Kunkle; sister, Barbara Bryant. Mr. Bryant was proceeded in death by his parents as well as an infant granddaughter, Tiffany Anne. A native of Joppa, just down the Ohio River from Metropolis, Jody grew up in Metropolis. He was a Metropolis Community High School graduate, then earned a degree with high honors in community journalism and a minor in government at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1961. Following his graduation, Joe accepted a position at The Bowling Green (MO) Times as editor, reporter, photographer, and advertising manager until 1976. After his stint at The Times, he then became stockholder and corporate officer in Dempsey Publishing Co. and also editor of the Carlyle Union Banner in Carlyle, IL, from 1976 to 1991. Finally, he was the director of the MacMurray College Office of Public Information in Jacksonville, IL, from 1991 until his retirement in 2003. The numerous achievements he garnered included Master Editor, named by Southern Illinois University at Carbondale/Southern Illinois Editorial Association, in 1992; Bowling Green's Man of the Year in 1971; director and officer, including presidencies, of Southern Illinois Editorial Association, Northeast Missouri Press Association, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce; award winner in Illinois Press Association's Better Newspaper contests, including first for community service for three years, best school board coverage, and best coverage of taxation in Illinois; former city council member, mayor pro-tem and regional planning commission member. Additionally, Joe was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Metropolis. For leisure, Joe enthusiastically enjoyed spending time with his family and time outdoors. He also liked reading and keeping current with world affairs and politics. Visitation for Mr. Bryant is set for Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Metropolis and Monday, Sept. 25, from 9 AM until the funeral hour at 11 AM. Rev. Shalom Renner and Rev. Jon Cockrel will officiate. Burial will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Metropolis. In lieu of flowers, Joe requests donations to the building fund at the First United Methodist Church in Metropolis, 100 E. 5th Street, Metropolis, IL 62960. Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home in Metropolis. Condolences may be left online at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.

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