Bryant, Rev. Thomas E., Jr., 97, entered heaven's gates Tuesday, May 6, 2004. Tom was born in Nashville and for 19 years was employed by the U.S. Postal Service. He answered a call into the pastoral ministry and attended Belmont University and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored Lincoya Hills Baptist Church in Donelson, Tn. and then served as Director of Missions for Concord Baptist Association in Murfreesboro for twenty-four years until his retirement. He is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-five years, Irby, and a sister, Frances Bell. Tom is survived by his daughter, Carolyn McPherson and son-in-law Rev. Jim, of Powell, Tn.; grandchildren: Mark McPherson (Vera) of Plano, Texas and Sara Beth Holland of Springfield, Tn.; four great- grandchildren: Meagan and Bryant McPherson and Noah and Maggie Holland. On Saturday, May 10, the family will receive friends from 10:00 to Noon at Woodfin Funeral Chapel in Murfreesboro, Tn. The service will follow with Dr Eugene Cotey officiating; burial afterward at Woodlawn Cemetery in Nashville. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Wallace Memorial Baptist Church Reach (Building Fund) 701 Merchant Drive, Knoxville Tn. 37912 or to First Baptist Church 200 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, Tn. 37130. Woodfin Memorial Chapel. 615-893-5151.