Thomas "Tom" Edward Bryant-Retiree of now Northrup-Gruman and Veteran of World War II, of Ormond Beach and a long time resident of Palm Coast/Daytona area, died Oct. 29 at the Halifax Health Hospice in Edgewater, Fla. He was born Nov. 10, 1924, in Oyster Bay, NY. He was raised on Long Island and graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1942. During World War II, he served in the U. S. Army/Air Corp as an aircraft gunner in the Pacific campaign. According to his lifelong friend, Ed Mosca of Ormond Beach, "Tom was a participant in the Mercy Flights that brought food and supplies to US forces on Okinawa following a devastating typhoon." On April 17, 1948, he married Helen Walther. They started their 61 year journey together, buying a house in Levittown, NY and later moving to North Massapequa, NY. Tom was employed by Republic Aviation and subsequently the Grumman Corporation for 35 years until retiring to Palm Coast, Fla. in September of 1982. He was a dedicated member and active participant of the Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church. Bryant always enjoyed watching a good ball game, discussing the latest four wheel innovations coming out of the auto world or offering his opinion of the latest political candidates and/or current national issues. He is survived by his wife, Helen Bryant; and nieces and nephews located throughout the United States. A private interment will be held at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast. Tom's family is grateful for all the kind cards, calls, support and prayers. A memorial service for Tom will be held at the Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Minute Man Fund, Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, 105 Amsden Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 (386) 441-0300.