Steve Bryant and Sharon Bryant Obituary, Death a devoted couple and pillars of their community, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on May 12, 2024
The incident occurred when their single-engine plane, traveling from Florida, crashed in a field in eastern Arkansas. The couple, both 72 and 73 years old, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Steve and Sharon were deeply connected to Arkansas State University, where they both earned their bachelor’s degrees. Steve excelled as a defensive end for A-State, contributing to the 1970 team’s undefeated season and national championship. He graduated with a business degree and a minor in pre-pharmacy, while Sharon earned her degree in mathematics with a minor in English. Their dedication to A-State extended beyond academia, as they became prominent season-ticket holders and generous benefactors to A-State Athletics.
Steve and Sharon’s legacy is commemorated through the “Steve Bryant Family Head Coach’s Suite” and a dedicated football locker at Centennial Bank Stadium. They established the Steve and Sharon Bryant Pre-Med Scholarship in 2017, embodying their commitment to education and service. Steve had a distinguished career as a pharmacist, owning and operating a retail pharmacy in Batesville and managing multiple pharmacies across North Arkansas. He served on the Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy, earning accolades such as Pharmacist of the Year for Arkansas and the UAMS College of Pharmacy Dean’s Award.
The couple’s contributions to their community were immense. Steve spearheaded the Sara Low Memorial Dog Park, honoring a Batesville woman who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He raised over $100,000 and contributed several thousand dollars of his own money to the project. The mayor of Batesville described them as “perfect models” of citizenship, and their passing has left a significant void in the community.
Steve and Sharon are survived by their two daughters, Monica and Mallory. Funeral arrangements are still pending. The community is coming together to mourn the loss of this beloved couple, who will be deeply missed by all who knew them.
The Arkansas State University family is also mourning the loss of Steve and Sharon, who were longtime supporters, ambassadors, and alumni. The university’s Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jeff Purinton, expressed his sadness at their passing, stating that they were “great people who cared deeply about their family, friends, and communities and gave selflessly to help provide opportunities for others.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash. The privately owned plane was identified as a Piper PA46-500TP. The NTSB will work to determine the factors that contributed to this tragic incident.
Steve and Sharon’s passing is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones and supporting one another in times of need. Their legacy will live on through the countless lives they touched and the contributions they made to their community.
The community is rallying around the Bryant family, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. Steve and Sharon will be deeply missed, but their memory will live on through the impact they had on those around them.
In the face of this tragedy, the community is coming together to honor the memory of Steve and Sharon. Their legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew them, and their contributions to education, service, and their community will never be forgotten.
Steve and Sharon’s passing is a devastating loss, but their memory will live on through the countless lives they touched. The community will continue to support and uplift one another during this difficult time, and their legacy will be remembered for years to come.
