Downing "Jack" L. Bryant 82 of Deltona passed away on March 7 2009. Jack was born on February 18 1927 in Salem Virginia. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy and later served in the Marines and Army Air Corps before retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant for the US Air Force. In 1970 he and his wife Marie moved from Japan (where he was last stationed) to Davenport Florida and in 1982 relocated to Deltona. After retiring from the service he was a successful business owner in the tool and hardware industry. Jack was the type of man who always strived to succeed in everything he did. He was a self-taught musician who enjoyed playing the banjo mandolin and 12-string guitar. He also learned to raise homing pigeons and won many awards doing so. In addition he grew prize-winning orchids in the greenhouse at the home he and his wife shared. Other hobbies included photography and fishing. His family will always remember how important it was to him to raise successful honest children. He will be dearly missed by all. Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years Marie; sons Paul (Linda) Bryant of West Dundee IL Mark (Mavis) Bryant of Deltona; daughter Joyce (Barry) Hardy of Haines City; sister Maude Clarece Blake of Sacramento; nine grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Terri Hunalp.