Melvin Leonard "Cat" Bryant, 97, was born on September 29, 1927, at home in the Ringold/Rufe area, the son of George Washington Bryant and Ertie Louanne (DeWeese) Bryant. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife and mother of his children, Dewanda "Bonnie" (Hughes) Bryant; brothers, Lawrence Bryant, Hershel Bryant, Ernest Bryant, and Lloyd Bryant; and sisters, Lois McIntosh and Mamie Tramel.

Cat was a life-long member of the Ringold community and was a proud member of the Alexander Ft. Towson Masonic Lodge #303. He operated a dairy farm for many years with his family. He also was a talented carpenter and worked at the sawmill in Wright City. Cat was dedicated outdoorsman, loving to fish and hunt, killing his last deer at the ripe age of 93. He was known for his large gardens and sharing his produce with family and friends, he also continued that until he was 95. Age is one thing Cat never let slow him down. Cat was also an avid sports fan, baseball being his favorite, he never missed a Texas Rangers game. Above all else, Cat was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many and made many cherished memories with his family. He will be deeply missed but his loving memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Cat is survived by his loving family; wife, Barbara Joyce Rowan; daughters, Terry Hale and husband, Ken of Irving, TX and Billie Piearcy of Ringold, OK; grandchildren, Tonya Davis-Anderson, Jerry Davis Hale, and Jeffrey Hale and wife, Amanda; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Maxine Stuart; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.