Submit a PhotoRobert Dwayne Bryant, Jr., age 23, passed away at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital on July 29, 2020.
DJ was born November 26, 1996, to Robert Dwayne Bryant and Amy Beth McCullagh Bryant. He is survived by his loving parents, siblings Zakayla, Torin, Samara, Tristan, Zoey, Koda, Ky Shon, fiancé Shannon, grandparents Ron and Mary Beth McCullagh, aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceding him in death were grandparents Robert and Fay Timmy Bryant.
DJ was a fun-loving sports fan and outdoor enthusiast. He drew his strength from his family, friends and work, and was the first to acknowledge the importance of the mentors in his life.
One of those mentors was Eric Butler, a Mesa police detective. As a young Mesa Police Explorer, DJ would ride with Butler, who remembers DJ’s “infectious smile and goals to become a police officer and an MP. Very compassionate, very kind and very giving, He’s what every officer strives to be. He was a fantastic person.”
He served as a Phoenix Police officer since 2017 in his civilian life, and as a member of the 850th Military Police Battalion with the Arizona Army National Guard since 2013. He enlisted at the age of 17, served as an MP, was commissioned through the Arizona State University ROTC program and held a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from ASU. He was a Minuteman Scholar and recipient of the Army Achievement medal, National Defense Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. “Lieutenant Bryant was a well-respected officer,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Noel Chun, 850th Battalion Commander. “He always wanted to be a police officer and an MP, and it showed in his actions. He was a very motivated Soldier, and we will miss him.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in DJ’s name to Mesa Police Explorers, c/o Mesa Police Department. Viewing will take place Friday August 7th, 2020, at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297, (friends and family from 9:00AM -12:00 noon, military and police from 1:00-4PM). Masks required.
A private interment will follow on Saturday August 8th, 2020.
Print Obituary
Dear DJ’s Family,
Words cannot express the sorrow I have in my heart for you all. May God wrap you in his loving arms and bring you comfort as this most difficult time! And may our great GOD ALMIGHTY welcome DJ with open arms into His family in heaven! In deepest sympathy,
Pam Gagen (Monday Ladies Golf League)
Dear Dwayne, Amy, & family: We’re so sorry and sad to hear about DJ. Such an amazing young man to have had such an impact on so many people. Our hearts are breaking for you and your family. May God, family, and friends hold you in a peace and a love that helps in some way ease your loss. You are in our deepest thoughts and prayers. We’re especially praying for the healing of your “Mother & Father Hearts”. We can’t begin to know what you are going through. Thank you for parenting such a fine son; DJ will continue to be a beacon of inspiration to so many. Our deepest sympathies.
Happy Birthday Dj… you were a good friend when we were kids.. I can only pray that you are in pure bliss up in heaven. 💖