William "Boykie" Bryant, son of the late Wilton Bryant and Mattie Bryant, was born April 8, 1949.  At an early age he confessed CHRIST and joined Beulah Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Grady Pinkney.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, four brothers, and a godmother.

He graduated from Camilla Consolidated School in 1966.  In 1970, he was drafted by the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War.  After returning home, he became the first African American firefighter at the Camilla Fire Department.  He later attended Albany Technical College and received a diploma in welding.

William retired in 2012 from the Marine Corps Logistic Base in Albany, Georgia, after being employed there for twenty-seven years.  He earned his heavenly wings at his residence in Albany on June 12, 2021.

He leaves a legacy of love to his seven children, Carlos Walker, William Bryant, Jr., Cheryl (Demitrius) Wimberly, Darryl (Felicha) Bryant, Joseph Bryant, Victoria (Willie) McIntyre, and Ivory Bryant; grandchildren, Felicia Bryant, Phil Thomas, Phillip Thomas, Venessa Gilbert, Ashante' Bryant, Quandarrius Bryant, Jarryn Bush, Antyonna (Aurelius) Jones, Sha'Keria McIntyre, Awveon Ross, Braeden McIntyre, and Kennedei Wimberly; great grandchildren, Bryant, Braxten, Ayden, Blake, Nolan, Raleigh, Autumn, and Ahria; six sisters, Bertha Bryant, Hattie Jenkins, Gustine (Benjamin) Hayward, Ann Bryant (devoted caregiver), Gwen Hemmans, and Lillian Frazier; special sister-in-love, Elizabeth Bryant; special friend, Katie Mae Thomas.

Devoted companion, Lazlia Thornwell; bonus children, Esoterica Thornwell, Yolanda Williams and Jonthan Walker; twelve bonus grandchildren; six bonus great grandchildren.